” Sometimes the simplest things are the most profound. My job is to bring out in people & what they wouldn’t dare do themselves “
Tallington Lodge brings local professionals together for its first Business and Brunch event
Tallington Lodge Care Home, located in the village of Tallington, near Stamford, recently brought together healthcare professionals and local business owners for its first-ever Business and Brunch networking event, following the successful launch of the initiative at sister home Castor Lodge Care Home.
Hosted in the home’s very own Railway Inn pub, the morning was designed to create a welcoming space for meaningful conversations between professionals working across the area. Guests included representatives from PJ Care, Devika Day Centre, G&T Wills, My Care Coordinator and Liberty Partnership – all united by a shared commitment to supporting older people and strengthening local community links.
Over fresh coffee and a selection of pastries, attendees shared insights into the projects they’re working on, discussed shared challenges, and made valuable new connections in a relaxed and friendly environment. There was also a celebratory moment as Daniella from PJ Care was the lucky winner of a bottle of Prosecco in the event’s prize draw.
Guests also had the opportunity to sample the Country Court Mocktail of the Year – the Golden Russian – a refreshing drink created by Rebecca, Customer Service Manager at Fairfield Manor Care & Nursing Home. The mocktail was the winning entry in Country Court’s annual competition and is now enjoyed by residents and visitors across all homes in the group.
Morgan Hicks, Senior Customer Relations Manager at Tallington Lodge, said: “It was fantastic to welcome so many people through our doors for the first event of its kind here. We’re passionate about building strong relationships with those who share our goal of providing great care and support in the local area. We’re looking forward to making Business and Brunch a regular part of life at Tallington Lodge.”
Tallington Lodge Care Home is part of the Country Court family of care homes, providing residential care, specialist dementia care, and short-term respite care for people in the Stamford and Tallington area. Designed with comfort and independence in mind, the home is purpose-built and features a range of thoughtfully designed spaces for residents to enjoy – including a hair salon, beautifully landscaped gardens, and the popular Railway Inn pub.
At Tallington Lodge, the dedicated care team work hard to create a truly home-from-home environment, where residents feel valued, supported and part of a vibrant and inclusive community. Every day is shaped around residents’ interests, preferences and wellbeing, with meaningful activities, delicious home-cooked meals, and individualised support at the heart of life at the home.
For more information about life at Tallington Lodge Care Home, please contact Morgan Hicks on 01780 740 314 or email careenquiries@countrycourtcare.com.
Free blood pressure checks launched across North Lincolnshire
A new health drive in North Lincolnshire is focusing on the early detection of high blood pressure, a condition that affects around one in three adults in the UK but often goes unnoticed.
The programme is run by North Lincolnshire Council in partnership with the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, local GPs and healthcare teams. It offers free blood pressure checks for residents, with more than 750 people already taking part since the launch. Many of those screened have been given advice, lifestyle guidance and, where necessary, referrals for further care.
High blood pressure, sometimes called the silent killer, is linked to serious health risks including heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. By setting up checks in local communities, the scheme aims to spot problems early, particularly among people over 40.
The council is also encouraging local businesses and community groups to get involved. Free training and equipment are available for those who want to become blood pressure ambassadors and help deliver checks in their area.
Information on how to register and take part is available on the LiveWell North Lincolnshire website.
Image credit: North Lincolnshire CouncilFreshney Place plans free summer fun for families
Freshney Place in Grimsby has set out a programme of free events for families throughout the school summer holidays.
From 2 August, the shopping centre will host themed activities every Saturday, ranging from circus skills to fairground-style games and a dinosaur-themed day. A summer sticker quest will also run during the holidays, giving children a chance to collect stickers and earn a prize.
A covered sandpit will be open daily from 11am to 3pm, offering a seaside-style play space for younger visitors.
The events aim to provide a mix of entertainment for local families during the school break.
Image courtesy of Google MapsThe magic of outdoor theatre comes to Lincolnshire Showground with beloved classic
The magic of outdoor theatre is coming to the Lincolnshire Showground as the multiple award-winning Illyria Theatre Company celebrates Kenneth Grahame’s timeless tale of friendship, laughter, the longing for home and the lure of adventure: The Wind in the Willows.
Taking place on Saturday 2 August 2025, 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM, join Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad for an evening of laughter, adventure and heartwarming friendship.
This beloved classic comes to life under the open sky of the Lincolnshire Showground in a vibrant, family-friendly production.
Perfect for all ages, tickets start from just £10. Bring low-backed chairs or blankets, a picnic and enjoy the show alfresco!
To book tickets click here.
Image courtesy of Lincolnshire Showground
Usher Gallery opens refreshed spaces with local art focus
Lincoln’s Usher Gallery has reopened two redesigned rooms as part of the first phase of its Arts Council England-funded rehang.
The new display, called Stories from the Stores, draws on public feedback gathered last year, when more than 400 visitors suggested the works they wanted to see from the gallery’s 1,000-piece collection.
The exhibition focuses on art inspired by Lincolnshire’s coastline, skies and countryside. Highlights include Short Seaplane by John Hassall, the illustrator behind Skegness’s famous Jolly Fisherman poster, and paintings by 19th-century artist Peter De Wint.
The selection also brings lesser-known names into view, including Phyllis Shafto, a Skegness-born artist and war painter whose career was cut short at 40.
A new drawing, Oracle of our Forebears by Charmaine Watkiss, marks the first in a series of rotating displays of recent acquisitions and loans.
Alongside traditional works, the neighbouring Heslam Room features abstract pieces with an animated digital installation created by Pickle Studios.
The Usher Gallery, located on Danes Terrace, is open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 4pm. Entry is free.
Image credit: Lincolnshire County CouncilLincolnshire County Council collaborates with Version 1 for long-term IT overhaul
Lincolnshire County Council has secured a significant partnership with technology consultancy Version 1, aimed at reshaping its IT landscape. The six-year contract, valued at £193 million with the option for two additional years, focuses on delivering a range of critical IT services designed to streamline operations and support future growth.
Under this collaboration, Version 1 will assist the council in managing and maintaining key IT functions, from device lifecycle management and user support to Microsoft 365 administration. The scope also includes cloud optimisation, cybersecurity, and the management of business applications, whether hosted on-site or via Software-as-a-Service solutions.
A major focus of the contract is developing an adaptable IT infrastructure that will evolve with changing technological, legislative, and budgetary demands. The goal is to ensure that the council’s IT systems remain secure, relevant, and responsive to new challenges and opportunities as they arise. This partnership will also allow for the continuous evolution of services to meet best practices and anticipate future business needs.
Coastal businesses face challenges as visitor numbers drop
Coastal businesses in Skegness and Mablethorpe are experiencing a significant decline in visitor numbers compared to last year. Economic uncertainty is leading many families to reduce or cancel holiday plans, impacting businesses that rely heavily on tourism.
Councillor Courtney Robinson, representing Mablethorpe, highlighted the struggles faced by local businesses. Many regular visitors are cutting down their trips, with some making just one visit per year instead of several. This has left businesses depending on the summer holiday period for survival. Coastal communities, already economically disadvantaged, are particularly vulnerable when tourism drops.
Mary Powell, the council’s tourism manager, noted that all seaside resorts are facing similar downturns. She explained that when finances are tight, holidays are often the first expense families cut, leading to shorter stays and last-minute bookings that are harder for businesses to manage. The council is ramping up efforts to promote the coast during the summer and autumn months, though the current national mood presents additional challenges.
There is also a push to attract a younger demographic to coastal areas, traditionally favoured by older generations. Local leaders believe that re-engaging with younger visitors could be crucial in sustaining the local tourism economy, which contributes £3bn annually to Lincolnshire’s economy, though still below pre-pandemic levels.
Free green bowling taster opens up new ways to get active
Residents over 55 are being encouraged to try green bowling in Holbeach this summer as part of a free community event aimed at promoting health and social connection.
The session takes place on Monday 4 August at 6pm at Carter’s Park Bowls Club on Park Lane. It forms part of the First Time for Everything programme, an initiative led by the Royal Voluntary Service to give people opportunities to try new activities, meet others and keep active.
Supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, the session includes light refreshments and is open to complete beginners. Places can be booked in advance, but walk-ins will be welcome on the evening. Those who prefer not to play can still join in for a chat over a cup of tea.
For anyone unable to attend in person, the Royal Voluntary Service runs a Virtual Village Hall, offering free daily online classes ranging from exercise and dance to cooking, crafts and creative writing. More than 2,500 recorded sessions are available on YouTube.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Eileen
Lincolnshire council plans £16m property sell-off
Lincolnshire County Council is preparing to sell 76 sites over the next three years, aiming to raise £16 million and cut annual running costs by £1.6 million.
The properties include council offices, travellers’ sites, council-owned farms and former school land. The move follows a previous four-year programme that sold 81 properties and brought in £19 million.
The council says it is reviewing how services can be combined into shared hubs as part of the wider asset review. Community groups and trusts are being considered among potential buyers, though officials emphasise that all sales will be scrutinised to avoid poor value deals.
Opposition members secured an agreement that future sales may return to committee for debate, with some councillors stressing the need to vet buyers carefully.
The planned disposals come as the authority works through a wider reorganisation of its buildings and services.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/shintartanyaCaistor’s hidden gem opens to the public for the first time in decades
For the first time since restoration work began, the doors of one of Caistor’s most iconic collections of historic buildings will open to visitors this September.
2–4 Market Place – a major heritage regeneration project underway in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds – will open its doors to the public on Saturday 13th September 2025 as part of the Heritage Open Days national festival.
This exclusive opportunity will give residents and heritage enthusiasts a first glimpse inside the transformation of five interconnected grade-listed buildings, which are being sensitively restored into a new hub for community and commerce.
Free hard hat tours will begin at 1pm, on 13th September, running on the hour (the last one beginning at 4pm), offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the project in progress. Visitors will explore a warren of characterful spaces, from what will soon house new business tenants to the floors above that comprise holiday lets and community areas — including a peek inside The Old Granary.
In addition to these four public tours, two special business-focused tours will take place on Sunday 14th September at 10.30am and 11.30am, aimed at local businesses and interested parties looking to find out more about the commercial spaces available to rent within the development.
These informal tours will offer a guided walkthrough of the units, giving potential tenants the opportunity to visualise the space and ask questions about the plans — no formal talk will be given.
Thanks to support from local sponsor 1st Select, every attendee on the public tours will receive a £5 voucher to spend at participating Caistor cafés and eateries on the day, encouraging exploration and support for the town’s thriving independent scene.
“Heritage Open Days is the perfect moment to begin welcoming people into 2–4 Market Place,” said Neil Castle, one of the directors at 2–4 Market Place, Caistor. “It’s about more than looking back – it’s about opening up the doors to this stunning collection of buildings to look ahead at the town’s future. These tours offer the first step on that journey.”
Tours are free to attend, but spaces are limited and booking is essential. PPE (hard hat and high-vis vest) will be provided, and safety guidelines must be followed at all times, as the site remains under active construction. Visitors must wear suitable clothing (no loose or floaty items) and sturdy footwear (no open-toed shoes).
The site includes uneven floors, low beams, loose boards, scaffold, and stairs — please be aware of these risks. Accessibility is limited in some areas; visitors with mobility requirements are encouraged to contact the team in advance to discuss whether this event is suitable.
To book your place on one of the tours, visit:
Public tours: https://www.2-4marketplacecaistor.co.uk/2025/07/28/celebrate-heritage-open-days-2025-at-2-4-market-place-be-the-first-to-step-inside/
Business-focused tours: https://www.2-4marketplacecaistor.co.uk/2025/07/28/a-first-look-for-future-tenants-and-local-businesses-as-2-4-market-place-celebrates-heritage-open-days-2025/
“Heritage Open Days is the perfect moment to begin welcoming people into 2–4 Market Place,” said Neil Castle, one of the directors at 2–4 Market Place, Caistor. “It’s about more than looking back – it’s about opening up the doors to this stunning collection of buildings to look ahead at the town’s future. These tours offer the first step on that journey.”
Tours are free to attend, but spaces are limited and booking is essential. PPE (hard hat and high-vis vest) will be provided, and safety guidelines must be followed at all times, as the site remains under active construction. Visitors must wear suitable clothing (no loose or floaty items) and sturdy footwear (no open-toed shoes).
The site includes uneven floors, low beams, loose boards, scaffold, and stairs — please be aware of these risks. Accessibility is limited in some areas; visitors with mobility requirements are encouraged to contact the team in advance to discuss whether this event is suitable.
To book your place on one of the tours, visit:
Public tours: https://www.2-4marketplacecaistor.co.uk/2025/07/28/celebrate-heritage-open-days-2025-at-2-4-market-place-be-the-first-to-step-inside/
Business-focused tours: https://www.2-4marketplacecaistor.co.uk/2025/07/28/a-first-look-for-future-tenants-and-local-businesses-as-2-4-market-place-celebrates-heritage-open-days-2025/ Lincoln lit up with Ibiza Anthems!
Last Saturday saw the Ministry of Sound bringing the balearic beats to Lincoln Castle, with the greatest dance hits brought directly from the party island of Ibiza.
K-Klass got the party underway with an epic DJ set to get everyone on their feet, then as the sun came down the lights went up and Ellie Sax put on an unforgettable performance with the Ministry of Sound crew.
The crowd got to sing and dance the night away to hits from Faithless, Eric Prydz, Becky Hill, The Shapeshifters, Daft Punk, Robin S, Fisher and many more. The night was a blast and the energy was electric.
Live Promotions Events will be putting on another incredible summer concert next month, with SEVEN incredible Tribute Bands – live on stage at Grimsthorpe Castle!
The Rewired Festival on Saturday 16th August will see unforgettable tribute performances from legendary bands like Oasis, ABBA, Queen, Madness, Blur, Steps, and Arctic Monkeys.
Learn more and save money in advance on www.rewiredtributefestival.co.uk.
Bike night back in Grantham
A popular event is returning to Grantham with a resurrected and turbo-charged Bike Night scheduled for next month.
The event, on Wednesday 27th August, is back in the area by popular demand and boasts free live music from local bands, bikes on display, food and drink.
There’s also a special showcase of Ducati and Kawasaki models from Chris Walker Motorcycles, supported by the man himself – British Superbike and MotoGP racer Chris ‘The Stalker’ Walker.
It’s open to bikers and bike enthusiasts from the local area and beyond.
South Kesteven District Council deputy leader, cllr Paul Stokes said: “I remember events we’ve had in the past; this is our first shot at recreating the atmosphere and fun of those memorable evenings in Grantham.
“We expect it to attract bike enthusiasts from across the region as well as bikers.
“Bars in the area will be opening early to be part of this event and we’re especially looking forward to experiencing the local bands performing on the night – plus the specialist input from our friend Chris Walker, the former star of British Superbike racing.
“Grantham Bike Night is a free event for all ages and a great way for visitors to enjoy our town centre in a new and exciting way. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone.”
Image shows Chris Walker Free swimming returns to Crowle and Epworth for the summer holidays
North Lincolnshire council is continuing to invest in free swimming as part of the range of activities for young people through the summer holidays. Children aged 16 and under across the Isle of Axholme will be able to access the Summer Daze free swimming sessions at Axholme North Leisure Centre and Epworth Pool.
The Summer Daze programme runs until the beginning of September, with all children under 16 able to swim for free during the special sessions.
Children aged between 8 and 16 attending the Summer Daze sessions will need to book their places in advance online. Parents bringing younger children to the free sessions will be able to just turn up and book at reception. The Summer Daze family sessions can also be booked in advance on the website, and in the specific family sessions the whole family can attend for free, not just the children.
Epworth Daze sessions are 12pm to 1pm, Monday to Friday and they can be booked on the Epworth Pool website.
Last year, North Lincolnshire Council’s investment in the Summer Daze free swimming programme saw around 1,100 free swims in Crowle and Epworth.
Cllr Rob Waltham MBE, leader of the Council, said: “I am proud we are keeping our promise to provide families and children across the Isle with this support through the summer holidays. We know the cost of the living crisis is a real challenge for many local working families and free swimming provides a healthy activity whilst also improving physical activity.
“This investment is about more than just fun – it’s about supporting families, encouraging healthy lifestyles and making sure every child has access to safe, active opportunities during the school holidays.”
Cllr Julie Reed, ward member for Axholme North and cabinet member for independent families: children, said: “Our parents can relax, safe in the knowledge their child is in a lifeguard supervised swimming pool, rather than children swimming in open waters, which we again wish to highlight just how dangerous this can be. Our sessions are free to attend, removing any barriers that our children may face in accessing safe, fun swimming during the holidays.
“Last year’s turnout was incredible, and we are proud to continue investing in opportunities that promote wellbeing, community, and active lifestyles. I encourage everyone to take advantage of these sessions and make the most of what our local leisure centres have to offer.”
Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council
Lincoln leisure centres set to reopen after upgrade
Leisure facilities in Lincoln are set to reopen this week following a major programme of investment by the City of Lincoln Council.
Birchwood Leisure Centre will welcome visitors back on 31 July, with both indoor and outdoor spaces available from that date. Yarborough Leisure Centre will reopen its outdoor facilities the same day, followed by its swimming pool and ground floor on 7 August. The gym and studios at Yarborough are scheduled to return to use from 14 August.
The council appointed Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) to manage the centres after Active Nation ceased trading in April. GLL, a charitable social enterprise that operates more than 200 leisure sites across the UK, will manage the Lincoln centres for the next two years while the council reviews the long-term future of leisure services.
Work at both sites has focused on modernising facilities and improving standards, with some final decorative tasks to be completed in the coming weeks.
This rapid turnaround means the centres will reopen just four months after closing, far quicker than the typical year-long process for such venues.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/KalpanaClassic Ibiza delights Burghley House with 10th birthday celebrations
Classic Ibiza returned to the beautiful grounds of Burghley House on Saturday 26 July, delighting a capacity crowd of Lincolnshire partygoers with over five hours of Balearic-infused house music.
The fifth concert of the show’s 10th anniversary tour saw Urban Soul Orchestra (USO), conducted by Stephen Hussey, perform a ‘best of’ set of over 50 house classics. The concert also featured Classic Ibiza debutants, London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC), who added their soulful and uplifting vocals to a number of tracks during the evening.
Concertgoer, Annette Mawby, summed upped the crowd’s reaction perfectly on Classic Ibiza’s social channels: “Incredible night, brilliant music and just the best atmosphere! The crew you have at the event are some of the best people I’ve come across at an event, so helpful, nothing was too much trouble, and everything was just so easy to find. 10/10 great job!”
Gates opened at 5.30pm, and as the audience settled into the family-friendly vibe over their picnics, they enjoyed a soundtrack of Afro/Latin-infused house, expertly mixed by DJ Jose Luis, a former Pacha Ibiza resident.
Towards the end of his set, he was joined on stage by LCGC for a live mash-up of gospel-inspired tracks, including Clivillés and Cole’s A Deeper Love and Blaze’s Most Precious Love, which featured the iconic vocals of Aretha Franklin and Barabara Tucker on the original recordings.
At 8pm, USO and DJ Goldierocks took centre stage for the Ghost Ship Sundowner Set, with the BPM taking a noticeable uptick. Beginning appropriately with Fatboy Slim’s Right Here, Right Now, USO were joined by LCGC for a spine-tingling rendition of eight classic tracks, including Gypsy Woman by Crystal Waters and Lola’s Theme by The Shapeshifters.
LCGC are one of the world’s most in-demand choirs, having recorded with a veritable who’s who of popular music, including Adele, Blur and Madonna.
USO, who have collaborated with the likes of Groove Armada and Robert Miles, took a short break at 9pm, leaving the Burghley audience in the capable hands of party-starter extraordinaire, DJ Goldierocks. She mixed up a storm of deep house anthems, setting the scene perfectly for what was to come.
As night fell, and the grounds of Burghley House transformed into magical, alfresco nightclub, USO returned to the stage at 9.30pm for the Dance Set. Accompanied by an awesome laser and light show, the crowd partied to USO’s breathtaking orchestral performance, featuring Galvanise by The Chemical Brothers, Out Of Space by The Prodigy and Adagio For Strings by Tiësto.
The audience was then treated to a fitting encore of two of Classic Ibiza’s most popular tracks. Saving the best for last, USO went out on high to Insomnia by Faithless and Sandstorm by Darude. The concert ended at 11pm.
Classic Ibiza’s Lisa Ward comments: “Well Burghley, that was certainly one helluva ride! A huge shout out to everyone that came to party with us – the joy and love that you brought was incredible.
“Then there’s the ever-wonderful Urban Soul Orchestra, conducted by Stephen Hussey, and our DJs Goldierocks and Jose Luis. Every year you manage to take things to a whole new level. Finally, a massive thank you to London Community Gospel Choir. Your soulful vocals and uplifting harmonies were truly magical – the icing on our delicious 10th anniversary birthday cake!”
Classic Ibiza, sponsored by Adnams Ghost Ship, is proud to support Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.
To be the first to hear about Classic Ibiza’s 2026 tour dates, sign-up here: www.classicibiza.co.uk/burghley/keep-in-touch.
Image shows Classic Ibiza Ghostship Sundowner Set at Burghley House. Credit: David Evans Photography
Mum’s charity abseil to thank hospital for saving son’s life
Baby Jack was born fighting for his life after arriving eight weeks premature. His parents, Emma and Nat, credit the dedication of the teams at Lincolnshire’s hospitals’ neonatal units for his survival. Emma is now undertaking a charity abseil in gratitude of the care for her son.
When Jack was born eight weeks early at Pilgrim Hospital’s Maternity Unit, his lungs were not fully formed, and he was unable to breathe independently. He was placed on a special C-PAP machine which helped him to breathe by delivering air into his tiny lungs through small tubes inserted into his nose.
It took twelve hours to stabilise him, to ensure he was able to be safely transferred to Lincoln County Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit where he could receive more specialist care.
Mum, Nat, had complications during her pregnancy and over Christmas 2023 spent three days in hospital when just 28 weeks pregnant. On 8 February 2024, she was once again rushed to hospital and a few hours later Jack was born.
It was a worrying time for Jack’s other mum, Emma. She said: “Jack was immediately placed into an incubator, and I had to follow him to ICU leaving Nat in theatre. She had lost half her blood and need transfusions desperately.”
Jack spent a week at Lincoln’s neonatal unit, then, when he was strong enough to breathe independently, he was transferred back to Pilgrim Hospital, Boston and closer to home. It took two more weeks for him to learn to feed but finally he was well enough to leave hospital and join his sisters at the family home in Boston.
Emma and Nat will be forever indebted to the exemplary care Jack received. To say thank you, Emma is abseiling from Liverpool Football Club’s iconic Anfield stadium in August as a fundraiser for United Lincolnshire Hospital’s Charity. Emma explained: “There are not enough words to thank the staff for what they did. I don’t know what we would have done without them; we just want to show our appreciation.
“I have been a fan of Liverpool FC for over 30 years, ever since I went with my dad at the age of 10 to see my first game. I am looking forward to the abseil and will be nervous, but I am definitely doing this.”
Charity Manager, Ben Petts said: “It is wonderful that Emma is supporting us in this way. Each year, the charity funds a wide range of projects to support our staff and the patients they care for, from scalp coolers that prevent hair loss in cancer patients to MRI play therapy for children needing a scan, from a Sensory Room at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston to teddy bears for babies on the neonatal unit.”
Emma is aiming to fundraise £500. To help her achieve her target please visit: https://www.ulhcharity.org.uk/fundraisers/the-anfield-abseil-for-neonatal
Summer perks return for North Lincolnshire’s young people
Children and teenagers in North Lincolnshire can once again enjoy free swimming and cheaper bus fares throughout the school summer holidays.
Single bus tickets for young people aged five to 19 are capped at £1.50, while adults travelling with them pay no more than £3 per single journey. The fare offer applies to all local services, making it easier to visit attractions such as Normanby Hall Country Park, leisure centres, museums and market towns across the region.
Swimming is also free for under-16s at six local pools: The Pods, Riddings Community Hub, Ancholme Leisure Centre, Axholme North Leisure Centre, Baysgarth Community Hub and Epworth Swimming Pool. The free swims, part of the Summer Daze sessions, must be booked in advance for children aged eight to 16.
Children under eight need to be checked in by an adult at reception, and pool safety rules mean the youngest swimmers must be supervised at all times.
The seasonal scheme, which proved popular last year, is designed to give families affordable ways to spend the summer together while encouraging safe swimming and greater use of public transport.
Image credit: North Lincolnshire CouncilLincolnshire hospices share funding to enhance end‑of‑life care
Hospices in Lincolnshire will share more than £780,000 in new funding aimed at improving facilities and services for people receiving end‑of‑life care.
St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice in Lincoln has been allocated £709,550, while Butterfly Hospice in Boston will receive £36,645. Beaumond House Hospice Care in Newark, which also serves parts of Lincolnshire, has been awarded £98,556.
The investment is part of a national £75 million programme for the 2025/26 financial year, supporting 170 hospices across England. The funding will go towards refurbishments and upgrades that focus on creating more comfortable spaces for patients and their families, including private rooms, communal areas and landscaped outdoor spaces.
Hospices will also use the funding for improvements such as energy‑efficient facilities, adapted beds, and digital systems that allow smoother coordination with other health services. The upgrades are designed to make end‑of‑life care more personal and accessible in local communities, reducing reliance on hospital settings.
Hospice UK will manage the distribution of the funds, with organisations able to draw from their allocated share as work is completed.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MGSeaside to be brought to Sleaford
Sand, sun and buckets of fun are being brought to Sleaford Market Place, with a pop-up beach from 20 August until 4 September.
Open to the public throughout the two weeks, there will be striped deckchairs to relax on by day, buckets and spades from Market Square Café and Restaurant, while fish and chips, ice creams and beach-side snacks and drinks will be available from nearby cafés, restaurants and eateries.
There will also be a special Bank Holiday Weekend event on Saturday 23 August, with activities taking place between 11am and 4pm, with free Helter-Skelter rides, Punch and Judy performances, a ‘YARD Putz’ putting green, free face painting, seaside singing, a bubbleologist, crafts, and Teenage Market stalls.
Visitors will further witness art crafted out of sand, as a live sculpt takes place at the event from 11 am to 4pm; don’t miss the sand-sculpted Red Arrow!
Image credit: North Kesteven District Council YOPEY Befrienders recognised for connecting generations at Fenchurch House Care Home
Fenchurch House Care Home, located in Spalding and part of the Country Court family, recently hosted a heartwarming afternoon tea to celebrate a young volunteer who has made a meaningful difference to residents’ lives.
18-year-old Matthew Simons, a student at Spalding Grammar School, was honoured for his dedication to supporting older people through the YOPEY Befrienders scheme – an initiative run by the East Anglian charity YOPEY (Young People of the Year). The programme trains young people to visit care homes, offering their time, companionship, and conversation to residents.
Matthew has given over 52 hours of his time, regularly visiting both Fenchurch House and neighbouring St John’s Care Home in Spalding. His commitment was formally recognised by the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, David Chambers, who presented him with a prestigious High Sheriff Award. Matthew was also presented with a special certificate by YOPEY founder Tony Gearing MBE, who described him as “a great friend to the elderly.”
The celebration was attended by residents, staff, school representatives, and special guests, including Dr Adriana Leadbeater, Sixth Form Director at Spalding Grammar School, and her deputy, Alex Dearing. Dr Leadbeater praised the scheme, saying: “Being a YOPEY Befriender is a great way for students to give back, gain perspective beyond the teenage bubble, and learn to appreciate and respect older generations.”
The Spalding Grammar School students involved in the programme have clocked up over 200 visits, giving nearly 300 hours of their time to local care homes.
Matthew, who hopes to study conservation biology at Leeds University, reflected on the experience: “I learned a lot about how people cope in old age and how important it is to make the most of life and stay positive, whatever challenges they may face.”
Tony Gearing MBE, founder of YOPEY, added: “Matthew was a great friend to the elderly. When young people persevere with care home visits like he did, they become a source of real comfort to residents. We’re also grateful to the supportive staff at Country Court care homes, which create a welcoming environment for young volunteers.”
Fenchurch House Home Manager, Ganiyu Lawal, said: “Being part of the YOPEY programme has been an uplifting experience for everyone at Fenchurch House. Matthew brought joy and genuine companionship to our residents, and it’s been a pleasure to watch those connections grow. We wish him all the best in the future.”
For more information about life at Fenchurch House Care Home, please contact Hannah Mills on 01775 711 959 or email careenquiries@countrycourtcare.com.
