The annual Great Grimsby Sleep Out is set to take place on 7 February 2025, to raise vital funds for homelessness charity, Harbour Place.
Every year groups of volunteers gather across several levels of the West Wing car park at Freshney Place in Grimsby, and spend the night sleeping rough to raise money for the charity.
Volunteers enter the Sleep Out in teams who will work together using cardboard to build themselves shelters to sleep in overnight.
This year, North East Lincolnshire Council have a team of ten taking part in the sleep out. The team includes senior leaders Sharon Wroot, Executive Director of Place and Resources, Ann-Marie Matson, Director of Children’s Services, and Katie Brown, Director of Adult’s Services.
Katie said: “At the recent Harbour Place fundraising dinner, we had the opportunity to sign up…so we did! Over the following week, more of our colleagues decided to join us.
“We felt it was really important to raise awareness of homelessness and rough sleeping, and also to promote the role of the council in the delivery of housing in our community.”
North East Lincolnshire Council works closely with Harbour Place to support people who are rough sleeping in the area.
Harbour Place provides a day centre with short-stay rooms for people who have been rough sleeping in North East Lincolnshire. They also provide support for those rough sleeping and outreach support.
Every person who attends Harbour Place is able to have a shower, a hot meal, and get clean clothes.
Jessica Burnette, Harbour Place’s Community Engagement Officer, said: “We are thrilled to have members of North East Lincolnshire Council joining us in our Great Grimsby Sleep Out event on the 7th February 2025. This annual event aims to raise awareness and resources to support people who are experiencing homelessness in our community.
“All the money raised will go directly towards Harbour Place services and will support us to accomplish our mission, which ultimately is to end homelessness.
“Our event is hosted in the West wing car park located at Freshney Place, who have hosted this event for Harbour Place for many years. We are extremely grateful for all the support and hard work from Freshney Place and its employees.
“We put on several activities throughout the evening, including our competition for the best shelter design. Teams will use cardboard to build their own shelters to sleep under for the evening. It is fantastic to see local businesses and members of our community getting involved in the activities, it gives a real sense of community.
“The event starts at 7pm through to 6am the following morning. We have different activities and entertainment scheduled until later in the evening, then at approximately 10pm is when we usually start to see our fundraisers getting ready for some rest.
“This year, we are set to have over 80 participants. It is great to see so many new and regular people getting involved in this significant event.”
Councillor Stewart Swinburn, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Infrastructure, and Transport, added: “It’s great to see that senior leaders from the council are taking part in the sleep out, raising money and awareness for such a great cause!
“Harbour Place do such great work supporting people who rough sleep in our area, but it is important that people who find themselves facing homelessness to seek support as early as possible.
“As soon as you find out that you may be facing eviction or the loss of your home, contact the Council’s Home Options team. This will give them some time to start to consider your case and search for alternative accommodation or get in touch with your landlord to arrange an extension to your contract.”
To donate to the council team for the Harbour Place Sleep Out, please visit Katie Brown is fundraising for Harbour Place Grimsby.
Grimsby’s fishing heritage goes on classroom tour
Schools across North East Lincolnshire have enjoyed the ability to learn about the Fishing Heritage Centre without leaving the classroom.
The Heritage Centre in a box includes the sights, sounds and even smells of the era whilst providing a unique opportunity for classes to learn about Grimsby’s fishing industry.
In the box are a range of objects, prints of related artworks that tell the story of life as a trawlerman in the 1950s.
Recently, Cleethorpes school Elliston Primary Academy have used the box as part of their history classes. Teacher Paul Tarrant said: “We used the boxes for our history unit – The rise and fall of the fishing industry. We used the box to show the equipment that fishermen had when aboard the trawlers and to show what kind of things they might spend their money on. It gave the children a fantastic opportunity to understand the era in question more clearly.
“The class loved getting their hands on physical objects instead of just seeing images on screens, it really supported their learning.”
He added: “I would 100% recommend the boxes to other schools – and have! It made the lessons more interactive and children who have struggled to access this sort of learning historically were able to make more progress.
“It also assisted with their understanding as they were able to physically handle and discuss the objects.”
If you’re interested in using a loan box, email sarah.spencer@nelincs.gov.uk for more information.
Bridge design error leads to a year’s delay and millions more in cost
A design error about the installation of a bridge over the River Witham and the East Coast main line will delay completion of the Grantham relief road and add millions to the cost.
County Councillor Richard Davies said: “The complexities of designing and constructing this relief road, particularly this bridge, are far beyond what we as a council can do directly.
“That’s why top international engineering companies and experienced contractors were entrusted to handle the project. Although we oversee the scheme as a whole, we rely on our suppliers’ combined expertise.
“When undertaking a project of the magnitude, all design work also undergoes a mandatory, additional layer of independent checking. Unfortunately, despite all of this, a mistake was made along the way that’s led to this new delay.
“This mistake related to the how the bridge was to be installed, and us being told it couldn’t be pushed into place as intended due to concerns relating to specific wind conditions.
“Safety comes first, so the work was halted so our designers and contractors could address the problem.
“We’ve done everything you could reasonably expect us to do as the client for the scheme, but we feel we’ve been let down. The important thing is that the details of the solution are nearly finalised, meaning we can start pushing the bridge into place in the coming months.”
The relief road is now expected to open in 2026, a year later than expected, with rectification expected to cost up to £20m, bringing the project’s expected total to £158-168 million.
Cllr Davies said: “Let me be 100% clear: while we may need to cover these extra costs initially, we will ensure that those responsible for this are held accountable and that every penny of taxpayer money will be recovered.
“We are pursuing contractual and legal processes as a result of this error so are unable to comment any further on this at this stage for legal reasons.
“For now, our priority now is getting this massive project back on track as soon as possible – and that means continuing to work closely with our appointed contractor and designers.”
Once it begins, the bridge push over the 293-metre span will take several months as it crosses the rail line during periods when trains have stopped running.
The rest of the structure will then be built on the east side of site, including lifting new steel beams into place.
Several more months will then be spent concreting the decks, installing safety barriers, and laying road surfacing.
Cllr Davies ended: “While this new delay is incredibly disappointing, we remain 100% committed to completing Grantham’s relief road.
“As a local resident and business owner, I understand and share the frustration this delay will cause. But safety comes first, and even the smallest risk must be taken extremely seriously.
“In the meantime, I want to thank everyone for their continued patience as we work towards completing this monumental project.”
Food charities urged to apply for share in scheme to save surplus food
Food redistribution charities can now apply for a share in a new £15 million Government scheme designed to ensure surplus food is delivered to those who need it.
Every year about 330,000 tonnes of edible food is either wasted or repurposed as animal feed before leaving farm gates. The new Tackling Food Surplus at the Farm Gate scheme will strengthen links between farms and charities to help solve the problem of food surplus on farms, with grants starting from £20,000 to help organisations fight hunger in communities.
From today applicants can submit bids outlining how they intend to form relationships with farmers to access any surplus food, and how they would seek to increase their capacity to redistribute this food to communities.
The funding can go towards purchasing new packaging and labelling equipment and vehicles to move goods from farms to a redistribution organisation, as well as new equipment, like fridges or freezers, to safely store food and ensure it lasts longer.
The fund is open to food redistribution charities and any groups with an interest are encouraged to apply.
Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said: “Nobody wants to see good food go to waste – especially farmers who work hard to put food on our nation’s tables. This fund will help charities work more closely with farmers to create new ways to get fresh produce to the people who need it most.
“I encourage our brilliant, dedicated redistribution charities and non-profits to apply for this funding to ensure more British fruit and veg gets to those who need it most.”
In a joint statement, the CEOs of The Bread and Butter Thing, City Harvest, FareShare, The Felix Project and Co-Chairs of The Xcess Group said: “As leaders of the surplus food redistribution sector and following years of campaigning, we are delighted to welcome the launch of this fund ahead of British growing season. “It presents an opportunity to make a profound impact by empowering local charities and community organisations. These groups are the backbone of British society, and we are proud to support them.“By working across the charitable redistribution sector, we can help ensure that this scheme is implemented efficiently through our joint capacity, delivers tangible value to taxpayers, and helps millions of meals reach as many people as possible at a time of considerable need.”
Applications can be submitted online until 11:55am on 13 March 2025.Immingham Green Energy Terminal takes step forward
The Immingham Green Energy Terminal application has been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Transport.
New group aims to support potential suicide victims in Lincolnshire
The Lincolnshire Suicide Prevention Network has met for the first time to offer more help to those at risk of taking their own lives.
It involves academics, community members, representatives from the voluntary sector, people with lived experience, and professionals in relevant fields. It recently met for its inaugural meeting in Sleaford.
The aim is to foster a collaborative approach, sharing the group’s skills enhancing and strengthening relationships, and raising greater awareness of suicide prevention efforts through sharing of good practice.
Cllr Wendy Bowkett, executive member for adult care and public health, said: “The new network aims to increase involvement in suicide prevention efforts across the health sector, businesses, schools and our local communities.
“Working together, we can be more effective and deliver initiatives that may not be achievable when working independently. It will be an opportunity to share skills and experience and help generate ideas for campaigns and collaboration. Ultimately, it will mean better outcomes for those needing our support.”
Anyone wanting further information or interested in becoming part of the network should email preventingsuicideinlincolnshire@lincolnshire.gov.uk.
New flags showcase voices of South & East Lincolnshire’s young people
Last week, the powerful words of young people from across South & East Lincolnshire were unveiled, ready to inspire and engage the community.
In October 2024, Zest conducted workshops for over 400 young individuals aged 9-18 across the region, including East Lindsey, Boston Borough, and South Holland. These workshops, co-led by local youth, provided a platform for the next generation to express their thoughts on a wide range of topics — from unity and mental health to the universe’s big questions.
The culmination of these workshops is now visible in the form of vibrant artworks displayed on large flags. These flags will tour cultural centres, communities, and events across the region, ensuring that the voices of young people are heard far and wide.
Refresh South & East Lincolnshire is an initiative that places the voices of young people at the heart of their community, bringing colour and conversation to their hometowns. The project features 27 festival flags, with 9 representing each area — South Holland, Boston, and East Lindsey.
These flags will sometimes be displayed together and other times in their respective local areas. The exhibition is now on in Sutton-on-Sea High Street (East Lindsey flags), The Guildhall, Boston (Boston flags) and Ayscoughfee Hall Museum & Gardens (South Holland flags) until the end of February 2025.
Participating schools and groups include Beacon Primary Academy, Skegness; Carlton Road Academy, Boston; Meridale Youth Group, Sutton-On-Sea; Skegness Grammar School; St Nicolas CE Primary Academy, Boston; St Norbert’s Catholic Primary Academy, Spalding; Sutton-On-Sea Community Primary School and Tower Road Academy, Boston.
Councillor Graham Marsh, East Lindsey District Council’s representative on the NPO culture board, Councillor Sarah Sharpe, Boston Borough Council’s representative on the NPO culture board, and Councillor Elizabeth Sneath, South Holland District Council’s representative on the NPO culture board, said: “We are incredibly proud of this initiative, which amplifies the voices of our young people and brings their vibrant expressions to the heart of our community. Their insights and creativity are truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact these artworks will have across South & East Lincolnshire.”
Toby Ealden, CEO and Artistic Director, Zest, said: “Young people have so much to say about the world around them—they just need the space to be heard. Refresh South & East Lincolnshire is proof of that. These flags aren’t just artworks; they’re declarations, conversations, and challenges to the status quo.
“It’s been incredible to see young people from across the region step up, own their voices, and put their ideas out into the world. Our hope is that, by sharing these inspirational words, their perspectives could shape the future in ways we can’t yet imagine.”
This initiative is commissioned by Story Tellers and funded by Arts Council England.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/JenkoAtaman
Historic day dawns for Lincolnshire
The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority is now an official body, following final communication from the Government.
The Leaders of Lincolnshire County Council and North and North East Lincolnshire unitary authorities have received an official letter from the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE MP.
This confirms he has signed the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority Regulations 2025, which created the GLCCA and devolves functions to it.
In the correspondence, the Minister adds: “I would like to thank you and your officers for your hard work in enabling us to deliver this landmark agreement for the people of Greater Lincolnshire.”
Following this, the first meeting of the new authority’s board will be in early March, with the election for a Mayor going ahead as planned on Thursday 1 May.
Reacting to the news, the Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “Having enjoyed a local political career here that has spanned more than three decades, this is a true highlight.
“We now move forward with a combined county authority that can work to effect real and positive change for all our residents. We expect to see this new authority make a significant difference in key areas, such as business growth, skills and improving our housing, our infrastructure and public transport – and this is just the start.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in the creation of the GLCCA and bringing the very best deal here to benefit our communities,” he added.
North Lincolnshire Council Leader Rob Waltham said: “The formal creation of the combined authority marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the residents of Lincolnshire.
“With ministerial approval now secured, we can move forward with the real work of delivering better jobs, improved transport, and greater opportunities.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to take control of our own future – ensuring that investment is directed where it will have the greatest impact and that every penny is spent delivering tangible benefits for local people.
“As someone deeply rooted in Lincolnshire, I am committed to making sure this new authority drives real, positive change – protecting our communities, growing our economy, and securing a brighter future for all.”
Cllr Martin Hill, the Leader of Lincolnshire County Council added: “There has been a lot of hard work to get to this point, and much more still to do. I firmly believe that decisions that affect local people should be taken locally, and the benefits of devolution mean that we will be in charge of our own future in Greater Lincolnshire. These issues are really important to residents’ everyday lives, when it comes to the housing available, how we all get about the county and the jobs and training that are available.
“We’ll also be able to deal more directly with government in representing the needs of our area, and have a clearer voice to attract more investment.”
The deal brings with it an investment package of £720 million over 30 years with a one-off capital investment of £28.4 million to invest in priority schemes across the Greater Lincolnshire footprint. With it also comes an elected Mayor to chair the new authority and give our region a greater voice in Westminster.
‘Martha’s Rule’ Call for Concern service extended to Boston
A service which offers patients, their families and carers 24-hour access to a rapid review if they have concerns about a person’s deteriorating condition is now available at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston.
Call for Concern will give anyone worried about a loved one who is staying on a hospital ward direct contact to a dedicated team who will give urgent help and advice.
The service has been developed as part of the implementation of ‘Martha’s Rule’.
Martha Mills died in 2021 after developing sepsis in hospital in London, where she had been admitted with a pancreatic injury after falling off her bike. Martha’s family’s concerns about her deteriorating condition were not responded to, and in 2023 a coroner ruled that Martha would probably have survived had she been moved to intensive care earlier.
In response to this and other cases related to the management of deterioration, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and NHS England committed to implement ‘Martha’s Rule’ in the NHS nationally; to ensure the vitally important concerns of the patient and those who know the patient best are listened to and acted upon.
The Call for Concern service was originally launched at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, and is now being adapted for other acute and specialist hospitals.
Professor Ciro Rinaldi, Deputy Medical Director at United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “The Call for Concern service builds on the existing safeguards already in place in our hospitals to offer a clear and direct way for patients, families, carers and other advocates to further escalate their concerns and access a rapid review of their care.”
Nerea Odongo, Group Chief Nurse for Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group, said: “I’m very proud of what the teams have accomplished in setting up this service. In Lincolnshire, the Critical Care Outreach Team will be responsible for these reviews. They have extensive experience in caring for patients whose conditions may be worsening.
“This team, made up of specialist doctors and nurses, collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure that appropriate care plans are in place. A special thank you to everyone involved for their dedication and hard work in making this possible.”
The service can be accessed by using the dedicated Call for Concern telephone number for the relevant hospital site.
Those with concerns should use Call for Concern when there is a significant change in a patient’s condition and, after discussion with the ward team, they feel their concerns have not been addressed or it is still not clear what the plan is for the patient.
A member of the Critical Care Outreach Team may provide advice over the telephone in the first instance, or visit the ward to discuss and assess the situation.
Image credit: United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
South and East Lincolnshire launch new arts web site
A new website called Story Tellers has been launched to bring the heritage of South and East Lincolnshire to life through a mix of interactive arts and culture.
The online hub highlights past and ongoing cultural initiatives, featuring local artists, practitioners, and community members. From light nights and virtual reality museums to theatrical performances, vintage celebrations, and immersive soundscapes, Story Tellers invites everyone to explore and engage with the region’s cultural landscape.showcasing a diverse range of creative projects and events funded by Arts Council England and delivered through the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership’s NPO programme.
In April 2023, the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership was awarded National Portfolio Organisation status by Arts Council England for the first time, securing almost £2m to invest in arts, culture, and creativity across the region from 2023 to 2026. This funding supports projects under five key themes; Re-imagine – exploring new ways to experience culture; Reconnect – strengthening community ties through shared stories; Uplift – empowering local artists and creatives; Activate – inspiring participation in arts and heritage and Leadership – driving cultural innovation across the region.
With its own Cultural Framework, the Partnership spans Boston Borough, East Lindsey, and South Holland, working collaboratively to bring high-quality cultural experiences to local communities.
Councillor Graham Marsh, East Lindsey District Council’s representative on the NPO culture board, Councillor Sarah Sharpe, Boston Borough Council’s representative on the NPO culture board, and Councillor Elizabeth Sneath, South Holland District Council’s representative on the NPO culture board, said: “The launch of the Story Tellers website marks a significant milestone in celebrating the rich arts, culture, and heritage of South and East Lincolnshire. We are thrilled to support this initiative, which not only showcases the incredible talent within our community but also fosters a deeper connection to our shared history and creativity. This platform will undoubtedly inspire and engage residents and visitors alike, highlighting the vibrant cultural landscape of our region.”
Story Tellers marks a pioneering achievement as the first local authority-led NPO to trial cross-district cultural collaboration, bringing together three local authorities under a shared vision for creative engagement.
Rob Pitman, from Paradigm Arts, said: “The launch of the Story Tellers website is an exciting ‘next step’ in our journey as an NPO. For the last year a lot of work has been going on and with this website we can now begin to share what we’ve done, what we plan to do and help more and more people across the region get involved with what’s yet to come.”
HE Sports Coaching students move, solve and connect with CPD Event
Challenging traditional thinking towards PE and sport was the theme of the day, as HE Sports Coaching, Education, and Development students engaged with a tailored CPD session at the Lincoln College University Centre (LCUC) last week.
The event was delivered by Daniel Taylor of Discovery Sports Coaching, a Lincolnshire-based company that specialises in PE and sports coaching, and supported by growth partner Beyond the Physical, an organisation that works with educational institutions across the country to encourage PE as a driving factor for young people.
In his keynote presentation entitled ‘Move, Solve, Connect’, Daniel challenged traditional sport-based PE curriculums being used within primary schools, which is said to contribute to children’s disaffection with PE and sport due to not being afforded the time to develop essential fundamental movement skills. Daniel then shared his core beliefs that a mastery approach to fundamental movement skills development should be at the heart of primary school PE, allowing young people to become physically literate and help to foster a lifelong love with PE, sport and physical activity.
Programme Lead for the HE Sport Coaching, Education, and Development courses at the Lincoln College University Centre, Scott Bastow, said: “As one of our student alumni, it was a pleasure to welcome Daniel back to the LCUC to share his thoughts on the future of primary school PE. His views certainly align with our own and it was great for our students to hear from an industry expert about the direction in which PE and sport coaching is moving towards.”
Learners from all levels of the HE Sport Coaching, Education, and Development degree then got to access Beyond the Physical resources and experience a physical workshop in the sports hall too, putting what they had learned earlier into practice.
Scott added: “The practical element was a fantastic opportunity for our students to see the Discovery Sports Coaching approach to primary school PE delivery, and we thank Daniel for coming in to share his expertise and experience. The practical certainly brought the theory to life and I think it really resonated with our students, so I’m excited to see them try to apply what they have learnt into their own practice. We’re always trying to upskill learners and ensure that we’re building towards them being work ready with their experiences.”
Daniel also spoke highly of his experiences in working with LCUC: “I’m really thankful to Scott and the college for allowing us to work with their students. Part of our mission is to drive change in how Primary PE is perceived and delivered for the benefit of the children we support. While we do a lot to assist schools and teachers, it’s just as important to engage with students before they enter our sector. The students today were a pleasure to work with, and we look forward to collaborating with the college again in the future to support their programmes and students.”
North Lincolnshire residents and businesses offered opportunity to undertake free training courses
North Lincolnshire residents and businesses are being offered the opportunity to undertake a variety of training courses that are fully funded through a brand-new program.
1000 Futures is a skills program designed to empower people and businesses in North Lincolnshire with the opportunity to retrain, upskill, and unlock their full potential.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Whether you’re a resident in search of new qualifications or a business looking to enhance the skills of your workforce, these courses are a great opportunity to assist people in their career journey.
“This is a program that has been designed to provide vital skills and qualifications that are in high demand across a variety of industries. They can boost business productivity, enhance staff skills, increase employability, and help individuals obtain new qualifications.
“I would urge local people and businesses to take full advantage of this offer and secure their place before it is too late.”
Some of the courses on offer include wind turbine training, bespoke electrical, scaffolding and industrial, Forklift licence, welding, mechanical and electrical engineering, painting and decorating and more.
These fully funded courses, delivered through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), are offered free of charge to both employed and unemployed participants.
To be eligible for this program, you must be 19 years or older, live or work in North Lincolnshire, and be eligible to work in the UK.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/pressmaster Community orchard set for Market Rasen
The Rasen Area Environment Group’s bid to establish a community orchard has been approved as part of Lincolnshire County Council’s Coronation Community Orchard Project, funded by Defra’s Coronation Living Heritage Fund.
This development marks a significant step forward in creating a vibrant, multi-functional green space, that will benefit both the local environment and the community.
The Market Rasen Community Orchard project aims to plant a diverse array of 84 fruit trees across two key locations in Market Rasen.
Most trees will be planted at Mill Road Park, creating a substantial community orchard space, including apples, pears, plums, medlars, and mulberry, while a select number of mature specimen trees will be planted in the front area of De Aston field, enhancing the existing recreational space near the benches.
With a focus on Lincolnshire varieties, the orchard will not only promote biodiversity and support wildlife but also provide a source of fresh, locally grown, produce for residents.
Cllr Stephen Bunney, Chair of both the Environment and Sustainability Member Working Group at West Lindsey District Council and of the Rasen Area Environment Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. He said: “This community orchard represents a fantastic opportunity for Market Rasen.
“It will enhance our local environment, provide educational opportunities, and create a beautiful space for residents to enjoy. We’re grateful for the support of the Coronation Community Orchard Grant in making this vision a reality.”
Key features of the Market Rasen Community Orchard project include:
- Planting of 84 fruit trees, with a preference for Lincolnshire varieties
- Creation of habitats for pollinators and other wildlife
- Community involvement in planting, maintaining, and enjoying the orchard
- Educational opportunities for sustainable horticultural practices
- An ongoing maintenance commitment from dedicated volunteers
Skegness theatre transformation gets under way
Alliance Leisure has begun the transformation of the historic Embassy Theatre in Skegness to turn it into one of the UK’s first Scandinavian-inspired ‘culture houses’ by the end of April this year.
This redevelopment supports East Lindsey District Council’s vision to enhance local engagement with the arts, celebrate diversity, and create a venue with year-round appeal.
Works on this project are being delivered through the UK Leisure Framework, bringing together a proven team of leisure development specialist including Universal Construction and LK2 Architects. Axiom is overseeing day to day project management, with Alliance Leisure responsible for the overall project delivery.
The project incorporates two new single-storey extensions, adding to the venue’s current footprint. Works will include significant upgrades to seating within the auditorium, enhanced backstage access and facilities, the creation of a new feature entrance and a multi-purpose space to the rear of the building.
Andy Newman, Director at LK2 Architects, said: “The Embassy improvements are based on the founding design principles of the Scandinavian ‘culture house’. The development will provide larger areas for multi-use operations for Arts, Culture and Theatre use.
“The design provides a visible and attractive frontage with light airy arrival spaces offering maximum functionality and appeal to encourage the public to engage with the arts whilst providing new and refurbished staff and theatre areas to improve existing operations.”
These latest works, funded through the Towns Fund, Arts Council England and East Lindsey District Council capital, form part of the Skegness Connected Coast Town Deal and Arts Council England’s Cultural Development Fund project.
Councillor Steve Kirk, the council’s champion for the project, says: “I am delighted to see another of our transformational Towns Fund projects getting underway in Skegness, and cannot wait to enjoy the cultural offer and opportunities it brings first-hand.
“This project will help to allow residents and holiday-goers alike access to the highest quality of performances, workshops and more, and provide a platform for new creative businesses to develop and grow in East Lindsey and attract more visitors throughout the year.
“Working with Alliance Leisure, through the UK Leisure Framework, gives us confidence that the project will be delivered on time and on budget. The timing of this project is absolutely critical. We need to be able to welcome visitors back into the main auditorium at the beginning of March because from that point on the theatre has a full schedule of shows booked.”
Council throws its weight behind farmers’ objections to inheritance tax
West Lindsey District has thrown its weight behind opposition to the Government’s changes to inheritance tax, which it says will have devastating impacts on rural communities, food security, and environmental conservation.
The council is to write to Chancellor Rachel Reeves deploring the decision to scrap Agricultural Property Relief, which has been instrumental in allowing British family farms to remain intact across generations, supporting food security, sustaining rural communities, and aiding environmental stewardship.
It is estimated to impact over 70,000 family farms, leaving the average farming family with a tax bill of at least £240,000. It forces many to sell portions of their land or close entirely, paving the way for corporate ownership and lifestyle buyers over family ownership.
Cllr John Barrett put forward a motion to full council in which he said: “This Council believes this inheritance tax will have severe impacts on food security. Selling off land or closing farms will risk our national food independence when global stability is already fragile. British family farms are critical to ensuring a steady supply of homegrown food.”
He added: “This is something that is close to my heart. About 60 years ago I had a number of relatives who had small farms up in West Yorkshire. A similar thing happened and they now have no farms and they had to sell up to developers.”
North Lincolnshire’s Imagination Library delivers millionth book
The Imagination Library scheme in North Lincolnshire has reached a major milestone, delivering its millionth book.
This achievement was celebrated with a special event at Live Well Isle of Axholme, where families, schools and Imagination Library author and illustrator Neil Clark gathered to mark the success of the initiative.
The child who received the millionth book was presented with a raft of prizes at the event including a family ticket to see Pirates Love Underpants at the Baths Hall in June donated by Norwell Lapley Productions.
Since its launch in 2013 more than one million free books have now been delivered to over 27,000 local children, with North Lincolnshire delivering a sixth of all Imagination Library books in the whole of the UK.
The scheme has made a profound impact on young readers and their families in North Lincolnshire, helping to ensure every child has access to quality literature and the opportunity to develop essential reading skills before they start school.
North Lincolnshire Council will continue to fund the scheme, which delivers a free book each month to every child under five, supporting them to develop a love of books and reading for pleasure.
For many children, the Imagination Library books are their first introduction to the joys of reading, helping to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “The Imagination Library has become a crucial part of our efforts to support families and children in North Lincolnshire and this milestone reflects the dedication of everyone involved.
“We are committed to ensuring that every child in our area has the opportunity to thrive, and reading is a key part of that journey.”
Data shows that children in North Lincolnshire who are registered with the Imagination Library perform better at the end of Early Years Foundation Stage, in the phonics screening check and in assessments at the end of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children, families, and communities, added: “This is a proud moment for North Lincolnshire, it’s fantastic to see the joy that the Imagination Library brings to families. Every book delivered is a step forward in helping to nurture a love of reading, which is vital for a child’s development.
“We’re so pleased to be part of such a positive initiative, and we look forward to continuing to support our young readers and their families.”
The event at Live Well Isle of Axholme brought together families who have benefitted from the scheme – including those who received the very first books delivered in 2013, along with local schools and organisations who have supported its success.
Helen Hastle, regional director for the Dollywood Foundation UK, said: “I would like to congratulate staff and volunteers at North Lincolnshire Council at all levels for their commitment, enthusiasm and vision to reach the one million Imagination Library books mailed milestone.
“What an achievement, bringing the joy of books and reading to so many children, with many building a fabulous home library from birth. You are our first programme partner to reach this milestone in the UK.”
It is completely free to join North Lincolnshire’s Imagination library and siblings can register individually to each receive their own age appropriate book every month. Every child receives The Tale of Peter Rabbit as a welcome book with a special message from Dolly Parton in the front.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Rawpixel.com Small business owners in Lincolnshire speak to council decision-makers
Small business owners in Lincolnshire have been able to speak directly to council decision-makers on a range of issues that are affecting them.
Hosted by the Lincolnshire Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), representatives from businesses across the county took part in a round table discussion with county councillors and officers. The event was also attended by the National FSB chair, Martin McTague OBE, who provided context about issues affecting small businesses countywide.
Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Small businesses are the backbone of the Lincolnshire economy and we have been working with the FSB in Lincolnshire for some time now to make sure we create the right conditions for them to survive, thrive and grow.
“Hearing first hand from small businesses on trading conditions, how the rurality of our county affects them and what further support they need is incredibly valuable to us as a council.
“I know everyone who took part got a lot out of the session where we could talk honestly and openly about our shared ambitions. The views from the FSB members will also help to shape the future services delivered by our Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub.”
Katrina Pierce, business development manager for the Lincolnshire FSB, said: “In a county that is home to over 40,000 small and medium sized businesses, it is critically important that the county council is open to listening to the challenges and opportunities the precious businesses face.
“But listening is one thing; responding to the needs raised with targeted support, campaigns and events that directly benefit SMEs is what really shows the council cares, and I’m delighted that we have such a positive relationship with the authority that results in great outcomes for local firms.
“Our members represented themselves, their locations and their sectors with care, passion and pride and I look forward to hosting more of these sessions in the future.”
Cllr Ian Carrington was also in attendance at the meeting. Cllr Carrington chairs the county council’s Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee, which recently endorsed Lincolnshire FSB’s ‘Future of the High Street’ report.
He said: “The committee felt very strongly that given the challenges facing small businesses in Lincolnshire, liaising with organisations such as the FSB is absolutely crucial so that as a council, we can offer whatever support we can.
“Hearing from small businesses at this event really helped bring to life the realities of the challenges they face, but also the excellent work being done across the county.”
Image shows: Cllr Colin Davie, Katrina Pierce, Martin McTague and Cllr Ian Carrington. Credit: Lincolnshire County Council Lincoln nurse named Haemophilia Society’s Nurse of the Year
A Lincoln nurse has been crowned Nurse of the Year at The Haemophilia Society’s Recognition Awards.
Alison Dawson-Meadows, Haemophilia Nurse Specialist at United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, is part of the team which supports approximately 600 patients across the county who are living with a range of bleeding disorders, including haemophilia and von Willebrand disorder.
The national Recognition Awards were introduced by The Haemophilia Society this year, as a result of a suggestion by their Youth Ambassadors. Nominations were received from both clinicians and society members in each of the categories.
One patient who nominated Alison said: “I know from speaking with Alison that she often works longer hours than contracted and has given up annual leave to ensure patients are treated, including responding to enquires I have made while on her annual leave and day off. For me, Alison exemplified everything that is good about nursing.”
Alison received her award at the Haemophilia Society’s Big Get-Together conference in Leicester.
Alison, who has been a nurse for more than 20 years, said: “This award was so unexpected and I feel truly honoured to have been recognised by my patients and The Haemophilia Society.
“The nature of our role and the long-term conditions our patients live with means that we have the privilege to get to know our patients and their whole family really well. I work closely with other services in Lincolnshire, and also specialist centres outside of the county, to make sure patients have everything they need to manage their care, no matter what their age or how long they have been diagnosed.”
Alison added: “Being at the conference and listening to so many amazing and emotional stories really made me think about how vital our service is for our patients in Lincolnshire. It’s a vital component in the NHS.”
Kate Burt, Chief Executive of The Haemophilia Society, said: “Alison’s patients clearly think the world of her. She cares deeply about the support they need and, despite facing testing circumstances, goes the extra mile to ensure her patients get the best care possible. Alison’s compassion and outstanding commitment to her patients make her a very worthy winner of our first Nurse of the Year award.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/pauchi
Council staff to raise money for homelessness charity in Great Grimsby Sleep Out
North Lincolnshire Council looks to improve health and care through Community First transformation
North Lincolnshire Council is set to establish a Joint Committee with Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB). By working together, the ICB and the council aim to make the most effective use of resources and design the future blueprint of health and care services across the county.
Cllr Richard Hannigan, deputy leader and cabinet member for adults and health, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “North Lincolnshire Council and the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board have a strong track record of working together to deliver health and care services and this is a perfect opportunity for change and to improve the health and care of people living in North Lincolnshire.
“Through greater integration and transformation comes further local accountability, influence and decision-making powers over local health and care services.
“This will create the ideal conditions to achieve the best outcomes with, and for, people and will enable the health and care system in North Lincolnshire to use resources more effectively.”
The North Lincolnshire Health and Care Integration Plan 2021-2024 initially set the scene for Place based integration. In June 2023 this plan was superseded by the Community First Strategy, which is North Lincolnshire’s plan for health and social care integration and transformation and has all health and social care organisations in North Lincolnshire onboard and in agreement.
Cllr Richard Hannigan added: “There is a strong appetite to further develop our integrated working arrangement. This includes working better together so that health and care interventions are more person centred, health inequalities are addressed, and more work is done to improve people’s health and wellbeing through the wider determinants of health.
“Pooling functions and resources enables closer collaboration, reduces duplication, encourages innovation and faster decision-making.
“All of this is driven by our long-term goal that people of all ages are empowered and facilitated to self-care and have control over their lives. People are safe and can access the right health and care at the right time and we can continue to prioritise those most in need.”
Detailed work is ongoing between the ICB and North Lincolnshire Council to determine the scope, structure, and content of an s75 agreement, with the terms of reference for the Joint Committee coming into force on 1 April 2025.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Kzenon Grantham family speaks up in new film to help others avoid suicide
A Grantham family takes centre stage in a poignant new film called Evelyn, released today, which tells the story of their daughter’s suicide just before her sixteenth birthday.
Narrated by her mum Jenni, the film explores the devastating impact of youth suicide on families. The film, created by charity CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) in partnership with ITV and the Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation.
Jack and Jenni Swift, Evelyn’s parents, said: “Our daughter Evelyn took her own life when she was just 15 years old. A month before her sixteenth birthday. We miss her so much.
“We hope this film encourages parents and carers, teachers, coaches, health professionals – anyone really – to understand the sheer scale of this issue and how anyone can be affected. And we hope it encourages people to arm themselves with the skills and tools they need to properly support a young person.
“Parents and carers especially need skills and knowledge to support their young people. It’s really important people don’t shy away from using the word suicide. It can be really scary – but we need to use the word suicide confidently to enable more open conversations.”
A Missed Birthdays campaign last September was made possible by funding from the Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation. Tarsem Dhaliwal, Group Chief Exec of Iceland Foods and Trustee of Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation said: “Youth suicide is an urgent crisis, and we’re proud to support CALM’s powerful campaign to raise awareness and provide practical tools that can save lives.
“At Iceland, we’re deeply committed to the communities we serve, and we believe it’s crucial to help trusted adults feel confident in having those vital conversations with young people. Talking about suicide can feel difficult, but it’s only by addressing it directly that we can start to make a difference. CALM’s C.A.R.E. Kit is an invaluable resource, and we encourage everyone to take the time to familiarise themselves with it. Together, we can help ensure young people feel supported and know they’re not alone.”
The CALM C.A.R.E. Kit is available free at thecalmzone.net