Community groups are being invited to start the New Year with a resolution to apply for funding from South Kesteven District Council’s (SKDC’s) Community Fund. Grants of up to £5,000 are available to constituted community groups and charities, with a smaller grants scheme offering up to £2,000. The programme has so far helped groups with funding exceeding £782,000. It’s particularly keen to support projects or events tackling loneliness, and improvements to community buildings and amenities. The last funding round awarded grants of almost £12,000 and the next funding round closes for applications on 18th February. Latest awards granted incude:

• Foston Village Hall was awarded £3,228 for improvements to old and deteriorating lighting and emergency lighting with LED lights set to reduce bills.
• Grantham Creates was awarded £4,965 for equipment to produce community and amateur artwork displays in empty units and shop windows around the town centre.
• The new Rolling Stones Colsterworth New Age Kurling Group was awarded £1,005 for new indoor curling sets to be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
• St John’s Church, Spitalgate, Grantham, was awarded £2,691 to improve toilet facilities and water supply, benefitting visitors to the Community Fridge and Warm Hub.

Cllr Rhea Rayside, SKDC Cabinet Member for People and Communities, said: “Everyone needs a New Year Resolution and we are urging community groups to kick-start the year by applying for funding that can make a difference to their plans. “With 2025 marking the end of WWII, applications are also welcome from any groups planning 80^th anniversary commemorations for Victory in Europe Day and Victory in Japan Day if they fit the Fund’s criteria.” Community groups can apply for up to 80% of eligible costs to a maximum of £5,000, with the remaining 20% as a required applicant contribution. The small grants scheme can fund 100% of project and event costs up to £2,000, with no match funding required. This scheme is only open to groups that hold £10,000 or less of financial resource.   Image credit: South Kesteven District Council

A new cycle path has opened on Kingsway in Scunthorpe, which is an extension to the cycleway around Central Park, thanks to £300,000 funding.   The funding was secured following a successful bid from Active Travel England specifically to improve cycling and walking infrastructure. It provides a segregated link between the Ridgeway cycleway route and the existing cycle path alongside Ashby Road.   Cllr Tim Mitchell, cabinet member for connectivity, said: “As part of the council’s commitment to improve facilities for cycling and walking, we submitted the bid to Active Travel to improve the cycle paths on Kingsway. “This funding was awarded to the council specifically to improve walking and cycling facilities – it could not be used for any other highway repairs or improvements.  “The new cycle path provides a safer and more convenient route for both cyclists and pedestrians as the two are now separate.   “As part of the Active Travel Funding, a crossing has been installed outside of North Lindsey College to link to Central Park, providing safe, direct access from the college to the park and Scunthorpe town centre for students.”   Pictured (left to right) are Gareth Denovan, Highway Traffic Safety Manager and Cllr Tim Mitchell. Credit: North Lincolnshire Council

A team from Lincolnshire Heart Centre gave up their own time to provide CPR training to more than 120 students during one afternoon. The team of specialists visited Boston Grammar School where they held sessions for sixth form students to learn the skills needed to help save a life in the event of a cardiac arrest. They also met with members of the school’s medical society about applications to medical school and life as a doctor. Consultant Cardiologist David O’Brien, Consultant Cardiologist Dinal Taleyratne, Lead Resuscitation Practitioner Monique Loveday and Cardiology Ward Sister Chelsea Spencer trained 128 at the Rowley Road school. They were joined by Student Paramedic Aakash Jansari. Dr Taleyratne said: “Education is a powerful tool and it was great to have the opportunity to share our skills with the students. As a team we would like to offer more sessions like this to young people and schools. “In just a few hours we have managed to equip these students with the skills they need to be able to save a life. We hope they are never in a position where they need to perform CPR, but if they do they now know what to do.” Professor David O’Brien is professor of medical education at the School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, and is also Vice-Dean at the Lincoln Medical School. He has worked as an interventional cardiologist in United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust for 16 years where he was former Clinical Director for Cardiology, opening the Lincolnshire Heart Centre at the Trust in 2013. He has been teaching Advanced Life Support (ALS) for 25 years and has been an ALS course medical director for 15 years. He said: “As an ALS Committee Member of the Resus Council UK, I appreciate the profound benefits that both timely basic and advanced life support training provide to patients. A massive thank you to Boston Grammar School for the warm welcome, it was inspiring to see so many students practicing CPR and getting involved. “In addition to the training, it was great to talk to students who may be interested in a career within the health service. Who knows, we might have even inspired a few to join the medical profession.” Professor O’Brien, Dr Taleyratne and Monique recently visited Sri Lanka and shared their skills with hospital teams and clinicians. Monique said: “Being able to visit students closer to home to give them the skills to potentially save a life has been a real privilege and something that we are keen to develop further. Just think how many lives could be saved if all school children were taught CPR?” Headteacher, John McHenry said: “It was a truly inspirational afternoon and one that I know will stay with the students throughout their lives. We are so grateful to the team for being so generous with their time and their knowledge.”   Image credit: United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust

Work has begun on the first 52 energy-efficient homes at Charterholme, a landmark new neighbourhood predicted to transform the western side of Lincoln. The start of construction marks a significant milestone in the city’s largest development project in decades. Previously known as the Western Growth Corridor, Charterholme has been more than 100 years in the making and is the result of a partnership between the City of Lincoln Council and city-based construction company Lindum Group. The project will unfold over the next 25 years, delivering 3,200 homes alongside shops, a business park, a leisure village, community services, and enhanced transport infrastructure. Rebecca Hurst-Miller, Director of Lindum Homes, said that this first phase of 52 houses would play a key role in establishing the vision and character for the entire development. “One at Charterholme will combine thoughtful planning and sustainable principles to create a neighbourhood that benefits both its residents and the wider community.”

A seven-year-old has used pedal power to raise £1,000 for his local hospital’s charity by biking 400km. Oliver Moore, from Bracebridge Heath near Lincoln, initially set himself a target to complete the distance, which is just under 250 miles, in 30 days to raise £400 for Lincoln County Hospital. He decided he’d like to raise money because he wanted to help people and settled on a cycling challenge as he enjoys being out on his bike. Oliver rode several differing routes around Lincoln and Sleaford covering varying distances from 5km to 25km each time. It soon became a family affair with his mum and dad, Alannah and Mark, accompanying him on his rides and even his one-year-old sister joined in for a short distance. Oliver’s last ride finished at his football club in Waddington where his teammates were cheering him on as he passed over the finishing line. Oliver generated the money through a fundraising platform which included donations from family and friends. Oliver more than doubled his target of £400 with a grand total of £1,000. Oliver’s mum, Alannah Moore, said: “We were having dinner one evening when Oliver told us he wanted to raise money to help people. We made suggestions of what he might like to do and he decided on biking a big distance like 400km, aiming to get £400. Then he told us he wanted to complete it in 30 days! A huge aim for a seven-year-old. “We are so proud of him.” Oliver said: “I wanted to do this because I enjoy bike riding and have done it since I was three years old. “I wanted to raise money for Lincoln hospital because both me and my sister Halle were born there. I think the doctors, nurses and carers are amazing there. “I am very proud of myself because I wanted to raise £300 to start with then I thought about changing my target to £400, so I was so happy when my mum and dad told me I had got to £1,000. Thank you to everyone who sponsored me.” United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity supports staff to deliver outstanding care to patients, their families and carers in the county’s hospitals. The money raised for and by the charity pays for the extras which can’t be provided by the NHS alone. For example, funding a sensory room at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston and providing teddy bears for babies on the neonatal units. Ben Petts, Charity Manager at United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity, said: “We were delighted to hear about Oliver’s challenge and fundraising. “He is an absolute star and one of the youngest fundraisers we’ve ever had. “Congratulations on beating your target Oliver and we are so grateful for the money for our charity.”   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Yuri Hoyda

Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) are giving a huge thanks to the members of the Alternative Earl Beatty Lodge No. 3516 Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes based in Grantham for their generous donation of £500. LNAA volunteers Eddie King and Siobhan Poxon recently attended a meeting to receive this kind donation. Eddie said: “£500 is the equivalent cost of one blood transfusion. “It is with thanks to donations from people and organisations in Lincs & Notts that our crews are able to deliver a life-saving treatments across the counties, 24 hours-a-day, every day of the year.”

Major investment in communities across the East Lindsey area has ben boosted with a £1m donation to Lincolnshire Community Foundation’s GRASSroots scheme. It’s the first grant from a £10m pot from the new and transformative £10m East Lindsey Investment Fund, which has been extended beyond 2025. So far more than 60 projects across the district have received funding from LCF via GRASSroots, and nearly £1m in grants has been awarded through the scheme since its inception in July 2023. Craig Leyland, leader of East Lindsey District Council, said: “I know of many projects across the district which have already benefitted from funding from this scheme – and I know it is making a huge impact. “This is something ELDC is committed to continuing through the Investment Fund and this clearly shows our dedication to supporting our communities and encouraging them to continue their hard work, whether that’s by running a group supporting elderly people, putting on sports activities, taking care of a village hall or encouraging young people to try a new hobby. “I’m looking forward to hearing of the first round of awards distributed by LCF as a result of this funding and to see what comes next.” Paul Scott, Chair of Trustees at Lincolnshire Community Foundation said: “Staff and Trustees at the Foundation are delighted to receive news that members at ELDC have agreed to continue working in partnership with us to invest a further £1M in local communities. “Funding via the East Lindsey Investment Fund will enable us to build on the impact of GRASSroots grants and reach into the heart of communities to improve facilities, provide access to services and opportunities. “We are confident these funds will have a positive impact on the lives of residents now and into the future. “The Grants Team will continue to be available at every stage of the process of offer advice and support to potential applicants.”

Yarborough Leisure Centre management company Active Nation is working in partnership with the City of Lincoln Council to invest £350,000 in a solar panel array. This green energy initiative, funded by Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund Phase Two, aims to improve the facility’s energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint, aligning with the UK government’s Net Zero by 2050 objective. The project includes two significant upgrades: installing the solar panel array on the leisure centre’s roof and improvements to the Air Handling Unit within the centre. The new PV panel system comprises 284 high-performance panels capable of generating approximately 89,258 kWh every year. In addition to its environmental impact, the system is set to deliver substantial financial benefits, saving the centre almost £17,000 a year on energy costs. The savings will support the centre’s efforts to remain a vital community resource. The project is part of a nationwide effort funded through Sport England’s £60 million Swimming Pool Support Fund, which supports local authorities across England in improving the energy efficiency of facilities with public swimming pools.

Lincoln College’s fundraising efforts, dubbed ‘The Pink Ribbon Campaign’ has now surpassed £100,000 after 18 years of raising money. Set up in 2012 after 6 years of fundraising for the breast cancer charity Candles, staff at College have been raising cash in a variety of ways. Lincoln College Governance Officer, Sarah Adams, said: “We are thrilled to have reached £100,000 of fundraising. “Fundraising started at the College in 2006, initially with two members of staff raising money through the sales of a recipe book for Body Sense which was linked to Professor Eremin’s research. Professor Oleg Eremin for many years researched into why Lincolnshire breast cancer rates were higher than the national average. “With the diagnosis and sad loss of a number of precious colleagues, the fundraising then began to grow and develop into the Pink Ribbon Campaign we now have supporting local charities.” Cheques were presented this year to a wide variety of charities close to staff members’ hearts and will make the following kinds of difference: Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance – Funds will keep the donation-reliant emergency service in the air. Polio Fellowship – New cases of polio are occurring across war-torn countries and needs funding to help eradicate it and provide specialist equipment. St Barnabas Hospice – St Barnabas will benefit from 56 hours of care from the donation. Macmillan – The funds will train two nurses in advanced pain control. Marie Curie – This will provide 4.5 nights of care in someone’s home. British Heart Foundation – This will support a day’s PhD research into heart disease. Children’s Bereavement Centre – This will give 5 children and their families counselling and support or will buy 1,000 teddy bears for children. Anthony Nolan Trust – This will provide around 25 potential donors for stem cells, this is particularly poignant as a staff member, Garry Williams, a Lecturer in Policing, had his life saved by such donations. Epilepsy Action UK – Supports vital work they do with phone and group support and advice. Dementia UK – Can help support dementia sufferers and their families long term. Beaumond House Hospice, Newark  – Supports a 4-bed inpatient unit and supports Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. College Fundraising Activities and Events undertaken by college staff have included dozens of innovative initiatives, including: College Calendars, Pink Ribbon Balls, Mount Kilimanjaro Climbs, Coast to Coast cycle rides and undertaking the Lincoln 10k. Staff have also taken part in the Hiking Vikings Challenge, which is a section of the Viking Way, Ron’s Race Night, Movember and Pamper Nights held by beauty staff and students. As well as this, staff have donned Santa outfits for the annual Lincoln Santa Fun Run and Walk, worn pink only for Wear it Pink days, have pedaled their way to pounds with ‘On yer bike’ rides and put effort into annual sponsored walks. Notable big fundraising efforts each year have also included: 2012 – National Three Peaks Challenge and the College Lottery was introduced. 2013 – Yorkshire Three Peaks 2014 – Lake District Challenge – 24 in 24 hours 2015 – Spires and Steeples – 26, 13 or 6.5 miles from Sleaford 2016 – Riverside Walk – Washingborough Five Mile bridge and back 2017 – Along the ridge from Wellingore – 10 Miles – part of the Viking Way 2018 – RAF 100 Walk – 6 or 12 miles 2019 – Lake District 3000ft peaks 2023 – 5 or 10 Mile walk to Skellingthorpe (Daisy Maid Ice Cream) 2024 – Spires and Steeples In total to date £100,847 has been raised and with this round of donations more than £97,500 has been given to charities in the past such as Candles (the Charity that supported Professor Eremin’s work), British Polio Fellowship (Lincolnshire Branch), MacMillan, Marie Curie, British Heart Foundation, Clic Sargent, MS Society, Lincolnshire Sport (prizes), Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance, Beaumond House Hospice, Children’s Bereavement Centre, Bed for Nancy, Rape Crisis Centre and Teenage Cancer Trust.

LIVES, the Lincolnshire-based emergency response charity, is celebrating an impactful 2024, during which its volunteers and training programs made a significant difference in local communities. This year, LIVES’ Volunteer Community First Responders (CFRs) attended 2,578 emergencies, ensuring timely care and support for those facing medical crises. (Figures run from 01/01/2024 – 18/12/2024) In addition to responding to emergencies, LIVES Expert Training trained 1,548 people in life-saving skills, equipping individuals, professionals and businesses with the confidence to respond in critical situations. Volunteer CFRs play a vital role in providing immediate assistance in medical emergencies, often arriving on the scene before an ambulance. This year, LIVES volunteers have responded to a wide range of incidents, from life-threatening situations to providing reassurance and care to those in distress. Annie, a LIVES Community First Responder, said: “As responders, we are everyday people serving our communities as CFRs. 2024 has been a great year for sharing our skills and knowledge teaching bystander CPR to members of our communities, a skill that can make so much difference! “When on call I have met some people at their most vulnerable who have welcomed me into their homes and trusted me with their care until the ambulance arrives. “It’s a very privileged position that I have. It’s a voluntary role, the thanks and gratitude I receive from patients and their friends and family is payment in itself. “Will I still be responding in 2025? I remind myself daily of why I joined LIVES over 9 years ago and that reason is to be there in my local community when minutes really do matter. As long as my knees keep bending and my back allows me to. I’ll be there.” LIVES volunteers will also be there for people in need this Christmas. Julie, a LIVES Community First Responder has this to say about why she responded in 2023 and will continue to do so this year: “I had the free time, and I didn’t want anyone to be scared on Christmas Day if they had to call 999, if I could offer the help and support to help prevent that then I feel I would have done a good job. “I’ll be responding this year as well because I want to be there for people in their moment of need.” LIVES continues to depend on the generosity of its supporters to sustain its emergency response and training initiatives. The charity invites the community to reflect on its achievements in 2024 and consider donating to help LIVES reach even more people in 2025!

A £100m investment, said to be the biggest a generation, is to be made in the UK’s 200-plus hospices. The funding will help hospices this year and next to provide the best end of life care to patients and their families in a supportive and dignified physical environment. Hospices for children and young people will also receive a further £26 million revenue funding for 2025/26 through what until recently was known as the Children’s Hospice Grant. The government is committed to ensuring every person has access to high-quality end of life care and, as part of its Plan for Change is taking immediate action to rebuild the health service and deliver improved standards of care, making sure it is fit for the future. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Hospices provide the care and support for patients and families at the most difficult time so it is only right they are given the financial support to provide these services.

“This package will ensure they will be able to continue to deliver the compassionate care everyone deserves as they come to the end of their life in the best possible environment.”

The investment will go towards helping hospices to improve their buildings, equipment, and accommodation to ensure that patients continue to receive the best care possible, including refurbishing bedrooms and bathrooms for patients and providing comfortable overnight facilities for families, improving IT systems making it easier for GPs and hospitals to share vital data on patients. The money will also help towards improving garden and outdoor spaces so patients and their families can spend time outdoors in greener and cleaner spaces. Toby Porter, CEO of Hospice UK, said: “Today’s announcement will be hugely welcomed by hospices, and those who rely on their services. Hospices not only provide vital care for patients and families, but also relieve pressure on the NHS.

“This funding will allow hospices to continue to reach hundreds of thousands of people every year with high-quality, compassionate care. We look forward to working with the government to make sure everyone approaching the end of life gets the care and support they need, when and where they need it.”

As well as being on Facebook and YouTube on the internet East Lindsey District Council has now signed up to WhatsApp to provide residents and visitors with another convenient way to stay informed about local happenings. WhatsApp channels offer users a secure and private way to follow what matters to them, subscribing for free to news from their favourite organisations and celebrities. Channel admins and fellow followers don’t have access to personal information such as names, profile photos, or numbers. Followers can set notifications to read messages in real-time and, if they choose, respond with a simple emoji or vote in a poll. Without public or private replies to posts, Channels steps away from the sometimes-hostile atmosphere that has turned some users away from other social networks. Channel followers can also easily share WhatsApp channel posts with individual contacts and WhatsApp groups, helping to keep their friends, families, and local communities informed. Councillor Craig Leyland, Leader of East Lindsey District Council, said, “”I am delighted to announce the launch of our WhatsApp Channel, which is a significant step forward in improving our communication with residents, businesses, and visitors. This platform will enable us to share timely and relevant updates directly with the community, ensuring everyone stays connected and well-informed.”

West Lindsey District Council has officially submitted an expression of interest to acquire the former RAF Scampton site after the Home Office declared the site ‘surplus to its requirements’. The move comes two years after the council unveiled a once in a generation £300m development plan for the site, in collaboration with a development partner, Scampton Holdings Ltd. The regeneration opportunity was paused when the Home Office intervened using emergency powers, to use the site for asylum accommodation. However, on 5th September this year they confirmed they would not proceed with its asylum accommodation plans on the site. The Home Office declared the site as surplus to their operational requirements and listed the site on the government’s Electronic Property Information System. This triggered a 40-day expression of interest period, during which time any public sector organisations could set out their case for acquisition. The deadline for submission of expressions of interest was 12 December. Cllr Trevor Young, Leader of West Lindsey District Council confirmed the council officially submitted its expression of interest in acquiring the site. He said: “With the site now officially surplus to Home Office requirements, the council sees an opportunity to revisit and advance our development goals in partnership with key stakeholders. Subject to Home Office decision making, this will enable us to continue our journey to secure the significant investment and regeneration of this key, strategic site “RAF Scampton is a site of immense historical and economic importance, and we remain committed to unlocking its full potential for the benefit of our community. “While the past two years have brought challenges, we are determined to pursue our original vision and ensure the site is used in a way that respects its legacy and supports sustainable growth.” The council’s plans aim to honour RAF Scampton’s heritage and create business, aerospace, space and education opportunities to stimulate the local economy. The opportunity at RAF Scampton is included in the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan, which has been named the Best Plan in the East Midlands by the Royal Town Planning Institute. Peter Hewitt, Chairman of Scampton Holdings Limited welcomed the news and said: “This is a chance to reignite our plans that prioritise economic growth, historical preservation, and community needs. We are committed to doing what we can and continue to work hard with the Council to ensure a bright future for RAF Scampton.” The council has submitted an expression of interest which sets out the case for site acquisition and how the site can support the mission for inclusive, sustainable, growth and regeneration. The Council will continue to engage with residents, businesses, and stakeholders to ensure a collaborative approach to its future. Further updates will be provided once the outcome of the expression of interest is known.