Turn out the potting shed, urges Heritage Seed Library

Stuart Pearcey
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Turn out the potting shed, urges Heritage Seed Library
Do you have Ray’s butter bean, Grandpa’s Cress or Mrs Taylor’s Red Pear hiding in your garden shed or greenhouse? A charity is calling on gardeners to find and share their unusual edible heirlooms in a special #SeedSearch.
If you’ve got an intriguing heritage seed that’s been passed down the generations, or a little-known vegetable variety that you can’t buy in the shops – the Heritage Seed Library wants to know about them.
The Library, part of sustainable gardening charity Garden Organic, is calling on gardeners in central England to search their veg plots, sheds, local libraries and community archives to find and share special heritage seeds and stories – to safeguard them for the future.
The #SeedSearch is part of a two-year project – ‘Sowing your Seeds: Heritage Crops for a Resilient Future’ – supported with a grant of almost  £175,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Catrina Fenton, head of the Heritage Seed Library, said: “With an increasingly unpredictable climate and the loss of both wild and cultivated biodiversity, this important project will help us share knowledge of local and heirloom crops growing in vegetable plots across the Midlands.
“We’re incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and for National Lottery players for making this project possible. In our lifetime, we’ve lost many hundreds of vegetable varieties, grown for generations by families and communities. The Heritage Seed Library addresses this by maintaining a living collection of vegetables, regularly sown and grown to maximise adaptability and viability.
“Working in partnership with community and individual growers, this vital project will help us share knowledge of heritage crops, many of which will have been selected and bred locally for their special characteristics and resilience.
“We’d like to learn more about under-represented plants that are thriving locally, as well as finding out and sharing the stories of the people behind them, including their culinary and cultural significance.”

Horncastle Powerlifters push fundraising to limit for LNAA

Tess Egginton
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Horncastle Powerlifters push fundraising to limit for LNAA
The Horncastle Powerlifting Club really know how to push their fundraising to the max! They racked up an amazing £300 for the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance with a powerlifting competition, pushing all their members to the limit for an incredible cause. LNAA Community Fundraiser, Caroline Barnes went along to meet the team to give thanks for all their efforts. She said: “The highly skilled doctors, paramedics and pilots of Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance help people across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, involved in life-threatening incidents every single day. “LNAA is one of the UK’s leading Helicopter Emergency Service charities, bringing the equivalent of a hospital emergency department to patients at the scene, giving those with the most severe injuries and medical conditions the very best chance of survival when minutes matter.” It is the generosity and goodwill of supporters throughout the area that funds the £13 million needed to keep the air ambulance in the skies and the fleet of critical care cars on the road 24 hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. For more details on how to support Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance visit: www.ambucopter.org.uk

Get ready for two unforgettable nights of music

Tess Egginton
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Get ready for two unforgettable nights of music
Once again, Live Promotions are bringing fun nights full of music to historic Lincolnshire landmarks, with discounted advance entry tickets available now. Lose yourself by reliving your favourite Ibiza anthems with Ellie Sax & friends at Lincoln Castle this July, then in August don’t miss an epic night full of the greatest tribute acts at the stunning Grimsthorpe Castle. Rewired Festival is set to light up Grimsthorpe Castle on Saturday 16th August 2025, bringing an electrifying line-up of the UK’s best tribute acts to the iconic venue. See all the hits from legendary bands like Oasis, ABBA, Queen, Madness, Blur, Steps, and Arctic Monkeys. Ministry of Sound Ibiza Anthems with Ellie Sax & Friends is the brand-new live show, from the world’s biggest dance music brand. Visit Lincoln Castle on Saturday 26th July for this ultimate party night! Book your discounted advance entry for both shows at www.rewiredtributefestival.co.uk and www.livepromotions.co.uk/ministry-of-sound.

Bold new outdoor art installation coming to Burghley in 2025

Tess Egginton
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Bold new outdoor art installation coming to Burghley in 2025
The historic gardens of Burghley House are set to be transformed this spring and summer by Botanic Tapestry, an exciting outdoor art installation created by artist duo Graphic Rewilding. This innovative exhibition features a series of large-scale botanical flags that celebrate the harmony between art, nature, and history, bringing a bold new vision to Burghley’s stunning grounds. Each design in this captivating series draws inspiration from the beauty of Burghley’s gardens as well as the intricate floral depictions found in the still lifes, marquetry, ceramics, and textiles in Burghley’s Collections. Graphic Rewilding have offered their own artistic interpretation, weaving nature’s beauty into contemporary art. Flowers, insects, butterflies, and foliage come to life, with dynamic patterns and colours reflecting the elegance and energy of Burghley’s thriving landscape and rich artistic heritage. More than just a visual statement, Botanic Tapestry highlights the deep connection between nature and well-being. This unique art experience invites you to pause, reflect, and immerse yourself in the landscape, fostering a renewed appreciation for the natural world around us. Botanic Tapestry will unfold in two stages, offering visitors fresh perspectives throughout the year. From 15 March to 21 April 2025, the flags will form a grand processional route through Burghley’s South Gardens set against the dramatic south façade of Burghley House. With the South Gardens open for just a few weeks each year, this exhibition presents a rare opportunity to explore this exclusive setting while engaging with art in nature. The installation will then transition to Burghley’s Sculpture Garden for the summer season, running from 26 April 2025. Here, it will be reimagined along the picturesque banks of Burghley’s Lake and Graphic Rewilding will expand the exhibition with additional artworks.
A CGI image of the upcoming art installation
Graphic Rewilding’s co-founders Lee Baker and Catherine Borowski are on a mission to reconnect people to the natural world through art to foster positive mental well-being. The artists are now working across the globe, with artworks unveiled in China in 2024 and new works across the US being launched later this year. Botanic Tapestry at Burghley represents their largest and most ambitious UK project to date. Lee Baker from Graphic Rewilding describes the inspiration behind the project: “From the lush wildflower meadows and diverse ecosystems, to the intricate still life paintings, textiles and Chinese enamelled porcelain housed in Burghley Collections, the extraordinary beauty of the art, nature and heritage has been a seemingly endless source of inspiration for our latest installation.” Miranda Rock, Executive Chair, Burghley House Preservation Trust, said: “The flags designed by Graphic Rewilding will bring a playful new layer of interpretation to the garden. Both dramatic and colourful – we’re excited for Burghley’s visitors to see how they enliven the surrounding landscape.” 

Lincolnshire trailer firm headed by three sisters celebrates 60th anniversary

Tess Egginton
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Lincolnshire trailer firm headed by three sisters celebrates 60th anniversary
One of the oldest specialist trailer businesses in the UK that counts politicians and TV celebrities among its clients is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Scott Trailers is run by three sisters from the family firm’s base in Walcott, Lincolnshire. The firm was founded in 1965 by Bevis Scott and his wife Jean, and their three daughters Claire Scott, Michelle Harper and Kay Scott are now directors of the business. Adding to the family ties is Michelle’s husband Chris Harper who works in the workshop with their son Jack Harper. Meanwhile, Kay’s two children, Richard and Katie, both work part-time at the firm. With British politician Douglas Hogg and TV presenter/garden designer Alan Mason among its former celebrity clientele, as well as current young TV personality and farming protégé Joe Trofer-Cook, the firm remains one of the most successful and recognised dealers in the country. It is hugely proud of its relationship with Lincolnshire-based Dyson Farming, owned by inventor, entrepreneur and philanthropist James Dyson, for which it regularly supplies Ifor Williams trailers. With dad Bevis still keeping a close eye on the running of the business, Claire Scott said the fact the firm is such a well-respected family-run operation is a major factor in the success of the company over six decades. She said: “I do think us being a family firm plays a big part because you really are a family, so you try your hardest to help the company succeed. “As a family we are all in it together, you don’t want to let each other down. “Dad is 86 and Dad and Mum live in the yard so they still drop into the business every day to say hello and chat to customers, he likes to talk to them. “We are looking forward to the future, where we will be continuing to offer the level of service we have offered over the past 60 years.”

Lincoln Castle gets world’s only display of three historic legal documents

Stuart Pearcey
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Lincoln Castle gets world’s only display of three historic legal documents

Lincoln Castle has become the only place in the world where it’s possible to see, side by side, three of the most important documents in British legal history.

To celebrate the 800th anniversary of the 1225 Charter of the Forest, visitors are invited to see the 1225 charter, the 1215 Magna Carta and 1217 Forest Charter. The legendary Magna Carta declared that kings had to act within the rule of law, its equally important companion document, the Charter of the Forest, reclaimed land for use by ordinary people. Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, above, executive councillor for culture at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “The legacy of Magna Carta, as a symbol of liberty and the rule of law, is well known. Less so, the Charter of the Forest, which, in re-establishing the rights of ordinary people to access swathes of common land, became of one of the earliest examples of the establishment of fundamental rights, privileges and economic protection for freemen. “I am proud that Lincoln Castle is the only place in the world where these international icons of law and fundamental human rights can be seen side by side. I hope that people take this fantastic opportunity to see them.” The three documents are on display until 1 June 2025 in the David P J Ross Magna Carta Vault.

Work starts on one of Grimsby’s biggest single investments

Tess Egginton
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Work starts on one of Grimsby’s biggest single investments
Work has started on site on one of the biggest single investments in Grimsby town centre’s history, the Freshney Place leisure scheme and associated new food hall and complementary market. National construction company GMI Construction Group will lead the build of the leisure scheme, having worked on similar projects in other towns and cities across the UK. Ed Weston, GMI’s Commercial Director, said: “We are proud to be part of this transformative project that will breathe new life into the town centre. Our expertise in delivering both urban regeneration projects and high-quality mixed-use developments will ensure that Freshney Place becomes a vibrant destination for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.” Amanda Austin, Centre Director, Freshney Place, said: “This is a major milestone for Freshney Place and the wider Grimsby town centre. The start of construction marks the beginning of an exciting transformation as we develop a fantastic new offering. “Freshney Place has served the community for nearly 50 years, and as work gets underway we can be confident it will remain a popular destination for the people of Grimsby into the future. “We look forward to sharing progress as the works continue, and want to reassure our customers that it will be business as usual throughout the development phase.” North East Lincolnshire Council leader Philip Jackson said: “We promised to get the main work started early in 2025, and that’s what’s happening. We’re on a hugely ambitious journey, with significant investment of public funds across our towns and borough. We’re investing in one of the largest schemes this council has ever invested in. We believe this is right for the town. “Our Freshney Place regeneration scheme is, in my firm belief, the most important regeneration project we have seen in North East Lincolnshire. It is key to the future of our town centre – underpinning the other regeneration taking place as well as securing the future of Freshney Place and the 1,700 local jobs it supports.” Following initial works within Top Town Market last week as soon as it closed, the focus now is to complete an internal strip out of the building, including mechanical and electrical fittings as well as asbestos removal. This will be followed with the demolition of the market building in the summer. The external demolition of the former BHS building will start in early March. The hoardings are up to make sure that there’s a safe working environment for all those on site. Hoardings will be put up in Victoria Street, from Devonshire House to the former House of Fraser building, signalling the start of the main works. Flottergate Mall entrance to Freshney Place has also been closed off. The main entrances to Freshney Place at Riverhead Square and Brewery Street remain open as normal. Additionally, the market roof car park is to be closed off from Monday 17 February.

Donations enable ‘dementia pets’ to be given to Lincolnshire hospital wards

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Donations enable ‘dementia pets’ to be given to Lincolnshire hospital wards
Charitable donations are enabling ‘dementia pets’ to be given to hospital wards in Lincolnshire. The fluffy cats and dogs will soon provide comfort to patients with severe dementia through one of the simplest forms of therapy – a cuddle. The project has been supported by the Trust’s Safeguarding and Patient Experience Teams and led by the Trust’s dementia practitioners. The sensory aids are being offered to help sooth dementia patients during their stay within United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. The Precious Petzzz are life-like animals, the cats purr and they all simulate breathing as they sit on the beds and laps of patients. The designs include spaniel and border collie puppies, as well as a variety of cats. All come with their own bed. United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity has funded these sensory dog and cat aids which will soon be available at Lincoln, Grantham and Pilgrim hospitals. The aids have been endorsed by the Alzheimer’s Society and are being introduced in accordance with Dementia UK guidance. Group Director of Safeguarding and Patient Experience, Craig Ferris, said: “Spending time in hospital is unsettling for anyone, but particularly for our patients living with dementia. Sometimes having something familiar or a friendly distraction can bring great comfort. We are really grateful to the charity for supporting this amazing project.” Charity Manager, Ben Petts, said: “As a charity we fund the extras not provided by NHS budgets. When we heard about the project and the difference it will make, we didn’t hesitate to get on board and fund 146 dementia pets. These will all be able to go home with the patients at the end of their hospital stay.”   Image credit: United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust

Lincoln Festival of History returns for second year

Stuart Pearcey
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Lincoln Festival of History returns for second year

Lincoln Festival of History is returning for a second year and will be staged between May 3rd and 5th between 11am to 5pm.

Organised by City of Lincoln’s Events in Lincoln team, it promises a journey through time with an array of activities, performances, and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. During the festival, Lincoln will come alive as a living time capsule, with captivating historical reenactments and themed events spread across the city centre. Imagine travelling through time with experiences that bring Lincoln’s history to life. In Cornhill Square, visitors can see Viking performances and battle sequences as well as the living history of Viking encampments and displays. City Square will present the opportunity for the public to immerse themselves in the spirit of the 1940s with authentic and vintage displays. At St Paul in the Bail, visitors can enjoy the all-new Knight School, a hands-on, interactive feature debuting in 2025. Children can dress in costume, purchase their own knightly weapons, and learn the skills to become the perfect knight. Visitors can step back in time to explore a traditional Roman market in Castle Square with stalls including a bakery, a blacksmith, and a tile-maker. Across the weekend, there will also be the chance to explore the vibrant maker’s market and antiques fair, where there will be opportunities to witness first hand demonstrations of pottery making, for example.

Chris’s round-Britain walk funds two years of charity’s mental health care for children

Stuart Pearcey
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Chris’s round-Britain walk funds two years of charity’s mental health care for children
Tumultuous applause and a standing ovation rewarded Chris Jones when he was given a unique certificate to recognise that no-one has raised more than him for the Freemasons’ charity the MCF. But the certificate will soon have to be thrown away and updated, says Howard Wilson, MCF Trustee and Chair of the Fundraising Committee, who presented it. He said: “Earlier this week we printed one saying he’d raised £75,000; today I have one saying £80,000, and already he’s exceeded that.” Howard explained what Chris’s fundraising efforts of walking almost 6,500 miles around the coastline of the UK meant to the charity. He said: “We have started helping children suffering with mental health issues; the money Chris has raised by completing this walk means he has single-handedly covered the cost of that work for two years. It’s a magnificent achievement.” Chris, from Woodall Spa, brought his two-year walk around the entire coastline of mainland Britain, and some of its islands, to a close with a finale event at the Doubletree by Hilton in Lincoln, during which he shared details of some of the privations involved in walking almost 6,500 miles – such as the discovery that clotted cream and his digestive system aren’t the best of friends. Said Chris: “Lots of places are closing public toilets. It wasn’t a happy time.” The talk, attended by about 100 people, was followed by an auction raising more than £3,000 towards his ambition to raise £100,000. Up for auction were ‘unbuyable’ gifts Chris had been given during his travels, such as a bottle of port signed by every one of the yeoman wardens at the Tower of London, and spirits produced exclusively for the SAS and Special Boat Squadron. Said Chris: “We’ve drawn a line under the walk now. It’s time to move on and do something else.” That said, he is working on a book which he hopes will help others who might be undergoing the same mental health anguish which led him to pull on his boots and set off from Skegness on New Year’s Day 2023. He said: “I’d intended just to set off on my own with no sort of fuss; it didn’t work out quite like that…”

The walk in numbers 2 years 4 shirts, three hats, one set of walking poles – but only two pairs of pants and socks 6 pairs of boots 110 Masonic Centres visited 427 nights in a tent 72 nights indoors, including caravans, a boat, motorhomes, a masonic hall,  a church, a beer festival marquee stage, but only two beaches… 378 days walked 6,479 miles walked 13,324,917 steps taken 44 Masonic Provinces visited; 21 in England and Wales; 23 in Scotland 12 islands walked on: Orkney, Skye, Mull, Aaran, Anglesey, Scilly, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Wight, Hayling Island, Portsea, and the Isle of Man £83,000 raised for the Masonic Charitable Foundation, including gift aid, by the finale on February 15th 1,935 pints drunk (which works out at almost 27 miles to the gallon…)

Generous local donation brings defibrillator to Fenchurch House Care Home

Tess Egginton
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Generous local donation brings defibrillator to Fenchurch House Care Home
Fenchurch House Care Home, located in Spalding, Lincolnshire, is renowned for providing exceptional residential and specialist dementia care. The home is dedicated to supporting residents and their families while also extending its care and compassion to the wider local community. As part of their community outreach, Fenchurch House hosts a monthly Carers Café on the first Tuesday of every month. This initiative offers a welcoming space for individuals caring for loved ones living with dementia, providing support, advice, and an opportunity to form connections with others facing similar challenges. Over time, the Carers Café has become a source of friendship and mutual support for many of its regular attendees. Inspired by their shared experiences, some of them joined forces to explore ways to give back to the home and the local area. They set themselves a goal to raise funds for a defibrillator, which would not only benefit the residents and staff at Fenchurch House but also serve the wider community in case of an emergency. During this fundraising effort, Carol McCluskey, whose husband is a resident at Fenchurch House, reached out to local businesses seeking support through prize donations for fundraising events. When Carol visited Churchills Bar in Long Sutton and spoke to its owner, Debbie Rose, she was met with an unexpected and heartwarming response. Debbie, who had worked in the care sector for many years and understood the critical importance of having life-saving equipment, generously offered to donate a brand-new defibrillator to Fenchurch House. This remarkable gesture exceeded all expectations and left Carol and the group deeply moved. To mark the donation, Debbie and her friend Kerry were invited to visit Fenchurch House. They enjoyed a tour of the home, met staff and residents, and reunited with Carol and the other members of the Carers Café. It was a chance to celebrate the spirit of community and the positive impact that can be achieved when people come together to support one another. Carol McCluskey expressed her gratitude, saying: “I am thrilled and deeply touched by Debbie’s incredible generosity. The donation of a defibrillator means so much to all of us. “I wanted to do something to give back to Fenchurch House because the staff are simply the best. They consistently go above and beyond, and this is my way of showing appreciation for everything they have done for me and my family.” Ganiyu Lawal, Home Manager at Fenchurch House, also extended his thanks, stating: “On behalf of myself and my team, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Debbie for this amazing donation. “The defibrillator is more than we could have hoped for, and knowing we can further support both our residents and the local community aligns perfectly with our values and commitment to care.” For more information about Fenchurch House Care Home, please contact Hannah Mills, Senior Customer Relations Manager, on 01775 711 959 or email careenquiries@countrycourtcare.com.

Energy firm says Gainsborough gas resources could generate GDP contribution of over £100bn

Tess Egginton
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Energy firm says Gainsborough gas resources could generate GDP contribution of over £100bn
A huge gas field has been discovered under Lincolnshire with the ability to fuel the country for a decade, it has been reported. Reaching out to Egdon Resources, the energy firm behind the discovery in Gainsborough told Lincolnshire Today that the Telegraph’s description of a “gas field” is premature “as the political and regulatory conditions for its development do not exist in the UK today.” At present there is a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for shale-gas, a practice with strong opposition, with fracking having been met with protests, critiqued for creating earth tremors, and clashing with the government’s environmental course, plans to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and Net Zero aims. Commissioning Deloitte to undertake an assessment of the potential economic, social and environmental impact that developing this gas resource could have, Egdon Resources said the gas resource is capable of supplying over 16 trillion cubic feet of gas, amounting to around six to seven years of current gas consumption. Deloitte’s modelling estimates that the development would generate a GDP contribution of over £100 billion, up to 250,000 direct and indirect jobs, and offset 202 million tons of CO2 equivalent when compared to the emissions associated with imported gas. Egdon Resources said: “The Telegraph article relates to the potential gas resources in the Gainsborough Trough geological basin which extends across parts of Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire. “The presence of these gas resources in shales and sandstones at a depth of around 2 kilometres, was proven by the drilling of the Springs Road-1 well back in 2019 and compare favourably with some of the best producing shale basins in the USA. “At present they cannot be developed due to the moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for shale-gas. It’s description in the article as a “gas field” is premature as the political and regulatory conditions for its development do not exist in the UK today. “Egdon commissioned Deloitte to undertake an assessment of the potential economic, social and environmental impact that developing this gas resource could have. This has highlighted a gas resource capable of supplying over 16 trillion cubic feet of gas or around 6-7 years of current gas consumption thus offsetting significant amounts of imported gas. “Deloitte’s modelling estimates that if this was developed it would generate a GDP contribution of £140 billion, £34 billion of direct taxes, up to 250,000 direct and indirect jobs and offset 202 million tons of CO2 equivalent when compared to the emissions associated with imported gas. To put that in context that is equivalent to the annual emissions of over 40 million cars. “As accepted by the Government and shown by the Climate Change Committee’s figures, whilst its use will reduce, gas will continue to be an important part of the UK energy mix out to 2050 and beyond. The UK will become increasingly reliant on imports as North Sea production declines. “The UK government is looking for ways to grow GDP and is increasingly reliant on overseas energy imports such as LNG, much sourced from US shale. It would therefore seem sensible for politicians to consider in a pragmatic and fact based way, the potential security of supply, fiscal, environmental and employment benefits of developing the UK’s own resources such as those present in the Gainsborough Trough. “The proposed development of Carbon Capture and Storage projects at nearby Humberside further enhance the environmental credentials of this opportunity.” The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, is among those opposed to fracking, needed to extract the gas. A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) spokesperson said: “We intend to ban fracking for good and make Britain a clean energy superpower to protect current and future generations. “The biggest risk to our energy security is staying dependent on fossil fuel markets and only by sprinting to clean power by 2030 can the UK take back control of its energy and protect both family and national finances from price spikes. “Through our Plan for Change, we will reignite our industrial heartlands as we seize the opportunities of the clean energy transition, and will continue to drive investment for businesses and communities in the UK.” A moratorium on fracking in England is in place because of an inability to predict the size, timing or location of any seismic events that take place after fracking operations. The government has also highlighted that there is no guarantee that oil and gas produced in the UK will be used here, with private companies selling to an international market. The government has a commitment not to issue new oil and gas licences to explore new fields, which it is to consult on in due course.   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Igor Link

County Council gives away more free trees

Stuart Pearcey
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County Council gives away more free trees
The first to collect free trees and hedging plants in Lincolnshire County Council’s latest tree giveaway was Charlie Brunton of Long Bennington near Grantham who intends to use them to form a spinney. He said: “I’ve got a lot of wildlife all around where I live, and doing this is such a positive way to encourage what’s there and hopefully attract even more. “I saw the offer and thought it was a very good idea. It’s great to see something positive like this about planting trees and hedgerows. This pack will go into a field where I have stables, the hedging there is established but there are some gaps, so I plan to use these plants to fill in where needed and extend the planting a bit further along.” The tree giveaway is intended to boost the county’s tree cover, which at 4% lags behind the national average of 13%. Following the free tree team-up between Lincolnshire County Council and the Woodland Trust as part of National Tree Week last November, the latest giveaway of greenery saw 6,000 trees given away to be planted in the county. Each pack contains 50 trees and 250 hedging plants.

Lincolnshire County Cllr Tom Ashton was on hand to help with handing out tree care information, kits and the plants themselves. He said: “Trees and hedgerows are such a vitally important part of our natural landscape. The multifunctional benefits of planting trees and hedges are obvious, improving the wellbeing of wildlife, overall health of the countryside and positively impacting people who live in it and enjoy it.

“In working with our partners, I am thrilled that LCC can be such a positive force to help promote tree and hedgerow planting in Lincolnshire. This will have a lasting legacy for years to come.” Harriet Winspear, Natural Environment Project officer at Lincolnshire County Council said: “Our previous tree and hedgerow giveaways were a real success with high demand, and this is a continuation of those efforts. It’s great to see more planting packs going to residents who want to do some real environmental good in the county.”

New accommodation to be built in £65m contract at RAF Digby

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New accommodation to be built in £65m contract at RAF Digby
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has awarded a £65 million contract for new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) at RAF Digby in Lincolnshire. RAF Digby is the RAF’s oldest station, established in 1918, but is now operated by Strategic Command. The contract was awarded to Galliford Try with Arcadis as a Technical Support Provider and will see four new blocks of bedrooms created for junior ranks. Each block contains a kitchenette, drying rooms, laundry rooms and social spaces, as well as 69 single ensuite rooms. The buildings have been designed to be as carbon efficient as possible as part of MOD and wider government push towards net zero. They will benefit from solar panels and be heated using air source heat pumps. Other energy efficiency measures include provision for a system to recover heat from the waste water in the showers, temperature-controlled heating zones, energy efficient LED lighting, and electric car charging points. The contract value also includes provision of car parking, street lighting and landscaped outdoor communal areas. The contractors will be using local suppliers and labour as much as possible to benefit the local economy. John Weatherby, DIO’s Principal Project Manager, said: “It’s fantastic to have reached this important milestone in our goal to transform the accommodation provision at RAF Digby with some high-quality new rooms for junior ranks serving at the station. We look forward to working with Galliford Try on the designs as we prepare for the start of construction in the coming months.” Wing Commander Neil Hallett, Station Commander RAF Digby, said: “This is an eagerly anticipated announcement welcomed by the service men and women stationed here. Having modern Single Living Accommodation will significantly improve the lived experience and there is buzz of excitement across the station following this contract award.

“This investment into Royal Air Force Digby is a clear demonstration by the MOD of its intent to enhance the accommodation offer to our personnel while making buildings more sustainable.”

Bill Hocking, Chief Executive of Galliford Try, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with the DIO to deliver this much-needed facility for those serving at RAF Digby. We have a strong track record in providing this kind of facility to the armed forces and look forward to ensuring the personnel receive the high-quality living spaces they deserve.” Construction is expected to start in March.   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/shintartanya

LIVES’ ‘No Night Is Silent’ reaches finals of Smiley Charity Film Awards

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LIVES’ ‘No Night Is Silent’ reaches finals of Smiley Charity Film Awards
LIVES is celebrating an incredible achievement as its powerful advert, No Night Is Silent, has been named a finalist in the prestigious Smiley Charity Film Awards. The emotionally compelling film, which highlights the life-saving work of LIVES volunteers across Lincolnshire, captured hearts during the public vote. Thanks to overwhelming community support, the advert has now progressed to the final stage, where a panel of judges will decide whether it wins at the awards ceremony in March. “We are absolutely thrilled to be finalists,” said Harry, a LIVES medic first responder who acted in the advert. “No Night Is Silent shines a light on the incredible dedication of our volunteers who respond to emergencies day and night. We can’t thank everyone enough for voting and helping us get this far.” The Smiley Charity Film Awards celebrate the best in charitable storytelling, recognising films that inspire, engage, and make a difference. For LIVES, reaching the finals provides a fantastic platform to showcase the work of their highly skilled volunteers who make a life-saving impact across the county. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in March, and LIVES will be eagerly awaiting the results alongside fellow finalists from across the UK charity sector.

Krazy Races returns to Lincoln for a second year

Stuart Pearcey
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Krazy Races returns to Lincoln for a second year
The soapbox derby Krazy Races returns to Lincoln on June 22nd, when 40 teams will be invited to take part in an event that’ll be watched by an estimated 20,000 spectators. Entries open on Monday, when a maximum of 40 local teams to design, build, and race their own handcrafted soapboxes in front of a roaring crowd. The 2025 edition of Krazy Races promises to be bigger and better , with the entire city buzzing with excitement. Local businesses, entertainers, and food vendors will join the fun, creating an unforgettable day for families, friends, and race enthusiasts alike. Danny Scoffin, Head of Brand & Strategic Development at Krazy Races, said: “We are absolutely buzzing to be returning to Lincoln after last year’s success. The enthusiasm and energy we felt from the community were electric, and we can’t wait to see what new and exciting soapboxes the people of Lincoln have in store for us this year. Thank you to Lincoln BIG for their continued support – we’re looking forward to making June 22nd a date to remember!” Lee Roberts, Head of Operations at Lincoln BIG, added: “After the fantastic response last year, we’re thrilled to welcome Krazy Races back to Lincoln. It’s going to be an amazing day filled with excitement, and we encourage local businesses to get involved and enter teams. Let’s make this year’s event even bigger than before!” Applications for local teams open 8am on Monday 17th February. Organisers are looking for a diverse range of competitors – from charities and local businesses to individual racers ready to take on the challenge.

Council to be asked to step away from nuclear waste proposals

Stuart Pearcey
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East Lindsey District Council members are to be asked to agree that, after years of negotiation, the council should withdraw from discussions about siting a ground disposal facility for radioactive waste in the county. Councillor Craig Leyland says changes in the possible site for such a facility, originally planned to be the former Gas Terminal at Theddlethorpe, had now switched to farmland between Gayton le Marsh and Great Carlton. He said: “Clearly, this is land that has not had any previous industrial use and is prime agricultural land nestling close to the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This is in stark contrast to the brownfield location at Theddlethorpe. “The Executive of ELDC is now of the view that this change in location and Area of Focus severely tests the original rationale for our involvement in the GDF siting process. “We also know of the understandable widespread concern for the proposed National Grid pylon consultation currently under way. ELDC shares the concern of many residents and communities regarding the industrialisation of the Lincolnshire countryside. “This brings into question how can we support a campaign to object to the environmental harm of the pylons and yet keep an open mind regarding the surface entry site for the GDF that will scar several kilometres of Lincolnshire farmland on the margins of the Lincolnshire Wolds. “The use of a brownfield site on the coast where a former facility had operated for over 40 years without local objection is completely different to a green field site in open countryside. The new site would also need attendant connecting infrastructure in the same sensitive countryside that the pylons would be scarring.”

Alkborough residents join forces to support Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance

Tess Egginton
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Alkborough residents join forces to support Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance
Residents living in Alkborough, North Lincolnshire, recently joined forces to support the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) and raised over £1,000 for its life-saving work. The Not 2 Fast, Not 2 Furious Tractor Group raised £642, Alkborough Coronation Club donated £305, and local resident John Robinson gave a personal donation of £55. LNAA Volunteer David Carrick, who went along to the Alkborough Community Come Together to receive their donation, said: “We would like to thank everyone in Alkborough for their generosity. The support we receive from local groups and societies is the essence of our charity. “Without the continuous support from communities across Lincs & Notts our crews would not be able to what they do, 24/7, 365 days-of-the-year.” LNAA is one of the UK’s leading Helicopter Emergency Service charities, bringing the equivalent of a hospital emergency department to patients at the scene, giving those with the most severe injuries and medical conditions the very best chance of survival when minutes matter. Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance receives no direct government funding and relies on the generosity of its supporters to fund the £13 million needed annually to keep its helicopter in the sky and fleet of critical care cars on the road, 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.

Sleaford to feel the love this Valentine’s Day

Tess Egginton
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Sleaford to feel the love this Valentine’s Day
A heart-themed installation in Sleaford’s Market Place will invite everyone to shout about someone or something they love, and to join in with free activities in the town centre across two separate events in February. People will be able to take selfie-style photos at a love heart seat on Market Place until Monday 24 February. The heart seat will be available for photos through the day and in the evenings, when it will light up. As part of the installation, heart-shaped tags will be available from nearby businesses. People can collect a tag from one of these locations and write a message to someone they love, or shout about something they feel makes Sleaford and North Kesteven a great place to be, and hang it on the seat. On Saturday 15 February a Valentine’s themed day of free activities around the heart seat will follow at Market Place, including:
  • Visit participating businesses to collect your heart tag and explore what they offer, all day;
  • meet Rhubarb Theatre’s Queen of Hearts, accompanied by the Mad Hatter, from 10am until 1pm – and see if you can charm her enough to receive one of 100 free roses sponsored by Interflora;
  • have your portrait drawn for free by a caricature artist, between 10am and 1pm;
  • enjoy three 30-minute performances from singer Chelsey Bamford, between 10am until 1pm;
  • have your photograph portrait taken for free at the heart seat by a professional photographer, from 10am until 1pm.
Joining in with the Valentine’s Day theme, Handley Monument on Southgate will also be lit red from Friday evening (Valentine’s Day) and across the weekend. The following Saturday, February 22, there’ll be a healthy heart event from 10am to 2pm on Market Place and inside St Denys’ Church Hall including:
  • A pop-up caving experience at Market Place for children to explore;
  • Health-based stands;
  • Free cholesterol and diabetes testing in St Denys’ Church Hall; and
  • another chance to take your own selfie at the heart seat, before it leaves Market Place the following Monday on February 24.
North Kesteven District Council Leader Councillor Richard Wright said: “It’s good to see the heart seat installation return to Sleaford, after it was first shown at the Riverside Precinct in 2023, and I look forward to seeing everyone enjoy it in the historic setting of the Market Place. “This time we’re excited to be delivering two days of free community activity around it. The Valentine’s Day themed celebration on February 15 – including live performers, a rose giveaway sponsored by Interflora, a caricature artist, photo portraits and more – and the day of healthy heart and fitness on February 22 both promise to be enjoyable and provide even more reason to visit the town centre and make a day of it, which in turn supports the surrounding businesses. “Don’t miss your chance to pick up a heart tag from the participating businesses and dedicate a message on the heart seat to someone dear to you, or celebrate a business, place or aspect that you love about Sleaford and North Kesteven.”
  Image credit: North Kesteven District Council

North East Lincolnshire Council puts out tender request for way finding in Cleethorpes

Tess Egginton
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North East Lincolnshire Council puts out tender request for way finding in Cleethorpes
A tender has been released to the market to find a company to help improve wayfinding around the main resort area in Cleethorpes. The recent Cleethorpes Masterplan development highlighted wayfinding as something that needed to be improved in the resort, and this was incorporated as part of the major bid to Government for project funding, which also resulted in funding being made available for the Sea Road, Pier Gardens and Market Place projects. This initial tender is for a company to create a strategy and design specifications for signage to help people navigate around the resort, as well as generating ideas for signage that holds interesting heritage or environmental information, and also live information on events and beach safety. Once the work has been completed, a separate tender will be released for the manufacture and installation of the signage at a later date.   Image shows Pier Gardens at Cleethorpes. Picture: Lincolnshire Tourism Guide
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