Burghley welcomes new festive event: Christmas Silent Discos

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Burghley welcomes new festive event: Christmas Silent Discos
A brand-new event is coming to Burghley House this festive season. Get ready to dance the night away with friends, family and colleagues at a Christmas Silent Disco taking place on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 December 2024. Set in the historical grounds of Burghley House, a huge Christmas marquee bedecked in sparkling lights and decorations will house the dancefloor for a feel-good night of party tunes and seasonal cheer. With state-of-the-art headsets, party-goers can tune in to one of three DJs battling it out for the largest following with the very best music from the 80s, 90s and 00s as well as much-loved Christmas songs. With guaranteed snow flurries and plenty of festive fun in store, this is one Christmas party not to miss. An array of festive food will be on offer to fuel the partying including loaded fries, hotdogs and sweet and savoury crêpes. There will also be a fully stocked bar featuring festive favourites such as mulled wine, fizz and Baileys hot chocolate. A choice of great value food and drink packages are available to pre-order. A Burghley Christmas Silent Disco is a great option for those looking for something different for this year’s office party or Christmas get-together with friends. A special package price is available for groups of 10 or more. Christmas Silent Discos at Burghley are from 7-10pm on Thursday 5 and 6 December 2024. Early bird tickets are available until 31 October 2024 and cost £27 person (over 18s only), full price tickets from 1 November 2024 are £29 per person. A group package price is available for parties of 10 or more at £50 per person and includes entry ticket plus one hot food voucher and three drinks vouchers. Parking is free of charge. For more details and to book tickets visit www.burghley.co.uk

Prostate cancer memorial to visit Lincoln on nationwide tour

Stuart Pearcey
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Prostate cancer memorial to visit Lincoln on nationwide tour
The Prostate Cancer Memorial travelling across the UK, will soon make its way to Lincoln, finding a temporary home at The Waterside, marking a significant moment for the community, as the memorial is said to serve both as a powerful symbol of remembrance and a call to action in the fight against prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with more than 1,000 men diagnosed with it every week. Mary-Jane Booth, Centre Manager at The Waterside, said: “We are honoured to host the Prostate Cancer Memorial here in Lincoln. This memorial is a powerful reminder of the impact prostate cancer has on families across the UK. We hope that by bringing it to The Waterside, we can contribute to raising awareness and supporting the incredible work done by Prostate Cancer UK. “The Prostate Cancer Memorial has been created by Prostate Cancer UK as a striking tribute to the thousands of lives touched by this disease. The memorial has already garnered attention and support in London, and its arrival in Lincoln will provide the local community with an opportunity to engage with the cause, learn more about the disease, and contribute to ongoing research and support efforts. “Hosting the memorial at The Waterside highlights the Centre’s commitment to supporting important causes that affect its visitors and the broader community. The Centre expects that the memorial will draw visitors from across the region, enhancing awareness and encouraging discussions about prostate cancer. The timing of the memorial’s arrival is especially significant as it coincides with various awareness initiatives in the healthcare community, offering a local platform for education and support.”  

Lincolnshire Day celebrations showcase the county’s rich history

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Lincolnshire Day celebrations showcase the county’s rich history
South Kesteven District Council will celebrate Lincolnshire Day on 1st October with historic talks at St Wulfram’s Church in Grantham. ‘The Magnificent Seven’ will shine a spotlight on seven individuals whose legacies have been carved into impressive memorials within the church. A market will also be held in the refurbished Market Place selling local Lincolnshire produce including Teaspoon Tea Company’s signature loose tea, baked goods from Bloomsbury Bakery and honey products from Fen Apiaries. Cllr Ashley Baxter, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Economic Development, said: “Lincolnshire Day is a great opportunity to celebrate our county’s rich history and heritage. “The talks at St Wulfram’s Church will be a fascinating insight into those Lincolnshire figures who lived impressive lives and who are now memorialised in the church forever. “I am delighted that we will also be coming together for the first time in the recently refurbished Market Place to recognise all that is great about Lincolnshire while supporting our fantastic local businesses.” The two talks will take place on 1st October at 10am and at 2.30pm and will be led by local historian, author and Chair of the Grantham Civic Society, Dr John Manterfield. Dr Manterfield will focus on seven individuals with a local connection to Lincolnshire:
  • Sir Thomas Bury; Chief Baron of the Exchequer who died in 1972. Sir Bury amassed a fortune and is commemorated by a marble monument in the church.
  • Captain William Cust; the younger brother of Sir John Cust of Belton, Speaker of the House of Commons. William was a naval hero who was accidentally killed by a cannonball in 1748.
  • Rev Richard Stevens; a man whose career in the church was largely aided by the support of the Duke of Rutland and his son, the celebrated Marquis of Granby. Rev Stevens died in 1771.
  • Sir Dudley Ryder; achieved greatness as a lawyer becoming Lord Chief Justice of the Court of the King’s Bench based in London but had a country seat at Harrowby. He died in 1758.
  • Edmund Turnor; member of the Turnor family of Stoke Rochford Hall. His monument is unusual in incorporating a variety of marbles, designed by a Peterborough sculptor. He died in 1789.
  • Charles Clarke; was the last member of a family of apothecaries and surgeons that had lived in Grantham High Street for over two centuries. One of his ancestors provided the lodgings when Isaac Newton was in Grantham. He died 1796.
  • Lieutenant Rupert Hardy Parker; killed at Passchendaele in 1917. His monument is a unique design made from alabaster and the epitaph reflects the loss felt by his family.
Dr Manterfield said: “Lincolnshire’s history and heritage is long and fascinating and what better place to explore it than in the magnificent St Wulfram’s Church, home to a rich collection of funerary monuments commemorating the children of leading Lincolnshire families. “This talk will look in more detail at the lives of just seven individuals. Six span the eighteenth Century Georgian period and one was killed in the First World War. “It will also look at the symbolism within those monuments, the materials used in their construction as well as the history of those individuals and their families.” The 1-hour talk is free but tickets must be booked in advance and are limited to 20 attendees per session. Book via https://bit.ly/lincolnshireday. Refreshments will be available following the talk. A market will also be held in Grantham’s Market Place between 9am and 2pm where visitors can find a range of traditional Lincolnshire produce.
  Image – St Wulfram’s Church. Credit: Google maps

Business chosen to build Sea Road building in Cleethorpes

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Business chosen to build Sea Road building in Cleethorpes
JemBuild Ltd, based in Humberston, have won the contract to build the iconic Sea Road building in Cleethorpes. Committed to using local companies where possible, JemBuild have already been working with North East Lincolnshire Council on the retaining wall works behind the old beach safety offices. Once this has been completed, work will start on the main building. A new three-storey building will be constructed on the brownfield site on Sea Road, comprising retail or hospitality space, as well as new public amenities and a changing places facility. Work is ongoing to secure the pre-let agreement for the hospitality provider, which will be announced in due course. Paul Barker, Managing Director of JemBuild, said: “I am delighted to have secured this fabulous contract with North East Lincolnshire Council and look forward to working with NELC along with our construction partners, Hodson Architects and C2C Structural along with our local suppliers on this exciting project that will undoubtedly cement its place on the local landscape to become as iconic as its sister building, the prominent Pier.” Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of the council, said: “This is great news for the area and it’s good to see things moving forwards. The Cleethorpes Masterplan, carried out by renowned consultants, Hemingway Design, has helped us create a vision for the future of the resort, based on what people who took the time to respond to the Masterplan want to see. And hundreds of people have been having their say about the future designs for Pier Gardens and Market Place in the last few weeks too.” Interrupted by COVID, the three-storey Sea Road building was granted planning permission in 2020, and promises to offer new high quality outside space, with public viewing areas as well as balconies. The first floor of the building will be accessible from Pier Gardens, giving a gracious nod back to how the pier was accessed when it was first constructed. Other elements of the building hark back to the Art Deco seaside style and the buildings constructed around the resort at that time, such as the small retail kiosks on Central Prom, and the former Electricity Board showroom on Isaac’s Hill. Work to deliver the three key schemes in Cleethorpes, the Sea Road building, Pier Gardens and Market Place, along with a small amount for signage, is being funded by HM Government.   Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council

Keepmoat signs lease on Alexandra Dock site in Grimsby

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Keepmoat signs lease on Alexandra Dock site in Grimsby
A lease that will result in new housing in the Alexandra Dock area of Grimsby has been signed with Doncaster-based homebuilder Keepmoat. The 6.25-acre town centre site bordered by Fisherman’s Wharf and the River Freshney will eventually see a community of around 130 homes with supporting commercial accommodation. The brownfield site has been the subject of consultation with developers in the housing market since November last year. This is a process where developers register an interest in the site, and then, through rounds of discussions, submit a final bid to take over the build lease of the site which then allows them to put in a planning application for their proposals. Investment worth about £7.8m to support the development at this site has already been secured through the Government’s Towns Fund, and the build will be supported by brownfield funding secured as part of the Greater Lincolnshire devolution deal. Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of the council, said: “We want to create a place that connects the town and its community with its waterside, creating a fantastic urban living environment. “North East Lincolnshire must develop as a place where people want to live and work. If that does not happen, we risk stagnating as a borough. We’re committed to making sure that does not happen. “There’s a long way to go yet, and developments of this scale don’t happen overnight. But we are working to improve the town centre as a whole and this is part of that vision. “We want people who work in our borough to also live here as this will maximise the economic benefits to the area. “Step-by-step, along with other initiatives in the town centre, we’re changing how our town centre can be used safely, and enjoyed by everyone.” Ben Hindley, Regional Land and Partnership Director at Keepmoat, Yorkshire East, added: “We’re excited to be working in partnership with the Council to regenerate a large parcel of brownfield land and deliver new homes in Grimsby. “At Keepmoat we pride ourselves on supporting local authorities to achieve their housing targets and we are honoured to be the housebuilder of choice for this project, selected to create much needed quality housing stock for generations to come. “We are approaching the project in the Alexandra Dock area of Grimsby with healthy life principles in mind, to ensure the scheme is not only visually appealing, but has plenty of available green spaces for walking, cycling and spending time outside.”

ABP refurbishes memorial to wartime minesweeping crews

Stuart Pearcey
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ABP refurbishes memorial to wartime minesweeping crews
Grimsby’s tribute to members of its seafaring community who risked their lives sweeping the seas for mines has been refurbished by custodians Associated British Ports. The freestanding memorial for both world wars was erected in 2001 by members of the Royal Naval Patrol Service Veterans led by the late Tom Walkley and supported by Associated British Ports (ABP) who allowed the memorial to be sited on our land and supported its creation. Simon Bird, Regional Director of the Humber ports said: “Due to its location the memorial suffers the ravages of the weather and it’s fitting that we keep it maintained as a tribute to all those who served and gave their lives. We’re delighted that it has been restored to its former glory. “Grimsby was a major centre for the minesweeping crews, mainly fishermen who joined up as they had the local knowledge of the Estuary and the North Sea. They earnt the nickname Harry Tate’s Navy, which was jargon for something amateurish after an old music hall entertainer who played a clumsy comic. They were anything but amateurs and became well respected by the Navy for their courage and resourcefulness. This is a fitting tribute to those men.” Dale Wells from the Turntable Gallery said: “The Turntable Gallery was delighted to be awarded the incredible opportunity to preserve the memorial to the memories of those valiant minesweepers who lost their lives, clearing the estuary and beyond, of enemy mines. “As part of the gallery’s ongoing commitment to preserving out material heritage, and restoring the artifacts of our shared past, this project was one we relished. The task required sympathetic cleaning, re-establishing the worn lettering, and replacing the lost badges. The latter involving extensive research and contact with specialists in the field. These new ceramic pieces have been sourced from Italian artisans, and now adorn the central stone. “ “To restore this important monument and preserve its legacy for future generations to remember these heroes by, has felt incredibly poignant, considering the hardships people face to this day, in the channel. Working on repainting the lettering of the faded names, and learning a little of the lives they lived, and left behind, has made their stories incredibly immediate. The least we can do is ensure the record of their passing is preserved.” Work on the memorial has included recolouring the letters and having three new replacement badges made for the centrepiece. Grimsby was a minesweeper base in both world wars and in 1908 provided two trawlers to the Admiralty for minesweeping tests. The memorial is to the memory of the 2,385 men who during World War Two have no grave but the sea. The original plaque dedicated in 1939 to those who swept the seas is located on the western side of the Dock Tower after a campaign by Dorothy Clapham, who wrote the Lavendar Column in the local newspaper. It was paid for by Grimsby businessmen Mr J Doig and Mr A Phillips.

Together again: Devolution deal will create County Authority for Lincolnshire

Stuart Pearcey
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Together again: Devolution deal will create County Authority for Lincolnshire
Everyone living within the historic county of Lincolnshire is to be served by a new local authority from next spring, thanks to the agreement of a devolution deal that will bring together North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, and Lincolnshire County Councils as the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority. It’s expected that devolution will progress through its final legislative stage to allow the forming of the new authority before the Mayoral election next May, and reverses the creation of the new authorities on the breakup of Humberside County Council. The Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson said: “I am sure I share the sentiments of the Leaders of Lincolnshire County Council and North Lincolnshire Council, when I say this is the best possible news we could have hoped for. Months and months of dedicated hard work and effort has been put into creating a vision for Greater Lincolnshire that will offer a cohesive approach – allowing this region to grow and prosper. “Our deal was supported by the last Government with millions of pounds of funding agreed to be devolved down to our new Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority to ensure we would be able to truly invest in our key priority areas, which will underpin our positive way forward. “I am therefore delighted that Greater Lincolnshire devolution continues to have the support of the country’s new Government and I now look forward to continuing our journey towards more local control with funding and powers handed to those who are closer to the communities they serve. We have a chance to make a real difference.” Lincolnshire County Council Leader Martin Hill said: “This is great news and I’m pleased we are able to move forward with devolution to deliver growth in Greater Lincolnshire. We have always been clear that strengthening local decision-making where we consider the needs and wants of our communities, will give the best results for residents and businesses. “It’s clear that having a Mayoral Combined Authority will give us the ability to liaise directly with the government about what is best for our residents and be able to achieve our ambitious plans more quickly. The decision to take this forward reflects our strong partnership work with North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire councils, and the hard work we have all put in to making sure it’s the right deal for our area.” Cllr Rob Waltham of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Our £720m deal was supported by thousands of residents and has been on the table for years and negotiated earlier this year. At last, we can get to work on seizing this monumental opportunity – bringing better paid jobs to the area, boosting skills, expanding local infrastructure and enhancing our environment across Lincolnshire. “We will continue to strengthen ties across our great historic county – I am incredibly proud to have been born, educated and lived and worked in Lincolnshire for most of my life and to have 10 generations of my family living throughout Lincolnshire.  We are a great county full of inspirational people who deserve the best opportunities for them and their families as we seek to level up Lincolnshire to deliver a better quality of life for local residents.” The financial Deal remains the same as finalised between the three lead authorities and the previous Government, with a total investment fund of three-quarters of a billion pounds over the next 30 years. This includes an annual £24m Mayoral Investment Fund to invest in priority areas of jobs and skills; housing & highways, transport, the environment and nature, net zero, digital improvements, and innovation and trade. There is also an initial capital funding pot of £28m including brownfield funding for individual schemes across Greater Lincolnshire. In North East Lincolnshire this will support the phase one development of a Grimsby Town Centre Transport Hub, along with the new housing scheme for the town’s Alexandra Dock.

North East Lincolnshire park tennis courts formally reopen with family fun session

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North East Lincolnshire park tennis courts formally reopen with family fun session
Three tennis courts across North East Lincolnshire are to be officially reopened on 28 September with a family fun session after a £255,000 renovation, managed by the LTA, and supported by the LTA Tennis Foundation. Tennis courts in Haverstoe Park, Sussex Recreation Ground and Barretts Recreation Ground have benefited from this investment. The Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, along with representatives from the LTA will formally open the courts at an event at the court at Sussex Recreation Ground, open for people from the local community to attend from 9am to 11am. Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is delivering the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain, which has been used to transform three sets of courts across the local area, providing a significant boost to sporting facilities. The courts have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including resurfacing, repainting, new posts and nets and the addition of security measures for the courts. This nationwide programme of investment is seeing thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active. As well as weekly free park tennis sessions, with equipment provided, the new courts will host Local Tennis Leagues, giving people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social local competitions. We Do Tennis will be responsible for the operation of the courts for the next five years. Andy Moss, Head of Parks at We Do Tennis, said: “We Do Tennis is a not-for-profit organisation focused on improving, growing, and securing the future of tennis at all levels. We are extremely excited to be working with the Council and the residents of the local area to provide a first-class tennis offering. Improving the facilities is a great first step and our role is to activate tennis in the area and get lots of happy people with a racket in their hand.” Cllr Hayden Dawkins, Cabinet member for leisure, said: “I’d like to thank the LTA particularly for their funding for this project to help us bring these back into use. This has been a lovely project to watch grow in our local parks, and I’m delighted to see the courts refurbished and ready for our residents and visitors to use all year round.” Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: “After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts across North East Lincolnshire officially back open to the public, and in better shape than ever. “Public tennis courts are such vital facilities for getting active and we want as many people as possible, of all ages and abilities, to pick up a racket and enjoy playing tennis. Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.”   Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council

Grantham Dementia Reminiscence Groups support members of RAF Family with memory loss

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Grantham Dementia Reminiscence Groups support members of RAF Family with memory loss
To mark World Alzheimer’s Day, recognised globally on 21 September, the RAF welfare charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund, is highlighting its support for members of the RAF Family affected by dementia and memory loss in Grantham. Research has found that 982,000 people are estimated to be living with dementia in the UK, with 52% of the UK public knowing someone who has been diagnosed with a form of dementia. According to research, armed forces veterans have an increased risk of dementia due to risk factors including traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, deployment, and sleep. The RAF Benevolent Fund facilitates Dementia Reminiscence Groups for serving and retired members of the RAF, including widows and spouses, who are affected by memory loss. The groups, based in Grantham and country-wide, allow members of the RAF Family with dementia and memory loss to share life experiences, memories and stories from the past, giving those affected a sense of competence and confidence by recalling these memorable moments. In 2023, the RAF Benevolent Fund was awarded a grant of £82,000 from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to go towards funding up to eight Dementia Reminiscence Groups over three years. Terry, who has benefitted from his local group in Cambridgeshire, said: “I struggle with dementia and need prompting by my wife constantly. I forget things when I’m speaking, and she fills in the gaps for me. I forget words, where I live and, more upsettingly, the names of my children. It’s scary. The group has made me feel welcome and is a safe place for my wife and I to speak and meet with people.” Declan Geraghty, Friendships and Connections Manager at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “We are dedicated to supporting the local RAF Family with our Dementia Reminiscence Groups, during Alzheimer’s Awareness Day and beyond. Our goal is to connect individuals affected by memory loss, whether diagnosed or not, by fostering meaningful connections. Engaging with others who share similar experiences can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and enhance overall happiness and wellbeing.”   Image: RAF Benevolent Fund’s Dementia Reminiscence Group attendees take part in the Fund’s Tin Foil Challenge in St Ives, Cambridgeshire. Credit: Ollie Dixon

Edible Grimsby returns to town in October

Stuart Pearcey
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Edible Grimsby returns to town in October
Free creative event Edible Grimsby returns to the town on Saturday 5th October promising free food tastings, food and drink stalls, and entertainment. It’s been created by The Culture House in partnership with Emergency Exit Arts to celebrate growing, cooking and sharing food. Charlotte Bowen, Culture House director said: “2024 sees a return to St James’ Square for Edible Grimsby and it should be a brilliant day when all ages can enjoy food alongside fantastic entertainment within the town centre.” “We’re committed to enlivening our grey streets with vibrant and accessible events and Edible Grimsby is just one offering that aims to achieve this.” Taking place from 11am – 4pm, the day will include an array of performances from both local and national talent including street theatre, live music, immersive creative story-telling shows and indoor theatre. Local community groups Oasis Hub, Community Shop, Friendship at Home and makers including Beetroot Collective will be making bespoke sauces and ‘A Jar of Goodness’ using locally grown ingredients provided by Green Futures. Rhubarb jams and onion chutney will be offered for tasting, together with home-made scones provided by The Canopy Kitchen. Other fantastic local food stalls that have recently between them served thousands at Cleethorpes’ Grub Fest, will include the popular Greek Shack. Riverhead Coffee will also be providing tasting treats and mini bites. As well as fun, food-related street theatre, visitors can also enjoy three amazing shows by national touring companies – TEABREAK, TOAST and A Tiger’s Tale for children by M6 Theatre. Edible Grimsby is funded by Create North East Lincolnshire through the Place Partnership Fund and supported by Ramsden International and Pattesons Glass.

Devlopment of Greyfriars building gets under way in Lincoln

Stuart Pearcey
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Devlopment of Greyfriars building gets under way in Lincoln
The development of Lincoln’s culturally-significant Greyfriars building has begun,  with a view to removing it from the National ‘At Risk’ Register by creating a space for weddings, conferences, and education. Greyfriars is set to welcome visitors again in late 2025 thanks to a successful bid for £3m in funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and partner organisations. ASBC Heritage & Conservation Specialists are dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the nation’s historic structures, making them a perfect fit for such a restoration project. Dating back to 1230, Greyfriars is believed to be the oldest-surviving Franciscan friary building in the country, having served the community in various roles over the centuries including as a Free School, a Jersey knitting and spinning school, a house of correction, a mechanics institute and the county museum. Heritage Lincolnshire will work with community partners to create a multi-use space for events, conferences, weddings, learning and other creative uses in this historic part of the city. The project will deliver an exciting programme of activities and events to celebrate the history of Greyfriars and provide learning opportunities for a broad audience. Cllr Joshua Wells, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council, said: “I am very pleased that the necessary funds from the National Lottery Heritage Fund have been secured to bring the Greyfriars building back into use, and that the construction phase has begun. The building is so steeped in history and culture, and it will become an even more unique and treasured asset to the city once made more accessible for visitors.” Tracy Stringfellow, Chief Executive at Heritage Lincolnshire added: “I am incredibly excited to start the next stage of this project at the iconic Greyfriars. A tremendous amount of work has been going on behind the scenes, with City of Lincoln colleagues we have been working closely with the Heritage Fund to bring about appointment of our construction partner, Alan Staley Building Contractors Ltd. We can’t wait to see work progress and for Greyfriars to begin serving the community once again.”

Cleethorpes makes ‘Bucket and Spade’ list of top ten seaside attractions

Stuart Pearcey
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Cleethorpes makes ‘Bucket and Spade’ list of top ten seaside attractions
Cleethorpes has secured a place on the Seaside Heritage Network’s Bucket and Spade List of the Top Ten favourite seaside places. A public vote put the resort’s Lakeside area at Number 7, behind features at New Brighton, the Isle of Wight, and Folkestone, with Scarborough’s Grand Hotel coming in at Number 9. Voters said of Cleethoroes’ Lakeside area that it was family friendly, very accessible for mobility restricted disabled people; calming and great for mental well-being; and spacious. Dr Kathryn Ferry, founder member of the Seaside Heritage Network, stressed how important it was to see people and communities getting behind the vote: “Our winners this year are not the usual suspects but that is a timely reminder that seaside heritage is not always grand or obvious. These are attractions that make their location unique, they are distinctive things that are highly valued by residents and visitors alike; it’s for that reason thousands of people took the time to register their choice. “Several themes came out in the comments from voters and the sense of continuity these places and experiences provide was key. People have a great nostalgia for the things they enjoyed in childhood and they are grateful for the opportunity to pass that on to the next generation. Our winners were routinely praised for their family focus and friendly staff too. We firmly believe that embracing the power of seaside heritage to connect with people anew can help coastal places blighted by social and economic problems. It’s brilliant to have such a varied and cherished Top Ten.”

New stretch of King Charles III England Coast Path opens in Lincolnshire

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New stretch of King Charles III England Coast Path opens in Lincolnshire

A new stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path has been opened, giving the public a legal right to access some of Lincolnshire’s coastline for the very first time.

The opening of 57.3 miles (92.7 km) of path between Sutton Bridge and Skegness means the majority of the coastline of The Wash is now open to walkers. This section links to the existing section of King Charles III England Coast Path around the Norfolk coastline and to Lincolnshire’s open National Trail between Skegness and Mablethorpe. Victoria Manton, Deputy Director for Natural England in the East Midlands, said: “This new stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path will give people from all over the country access to our beautiful local coastline, connecting them with nature and providing health and wellbeing benefits. The trail will also support the local economy – bringing walkers and visitors to the towns and villages for daytrips, refreshments and places to stay.” The path provides multiple opportunities to spot sea birds, waders and other fantastic nature with views across The Wash, which is of national and international importance, and also across the rich farmed landscapes of Lincolnshire. The Wash attracts large numbers of migratory and overwintering birds such as knot, dunlin and oystercatcher. The route of the path has been carefully assessed to avoid impacts to protected species. At Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve works have been undertaken to create a year-round dry route. The trail passes through the town of Boston, passing the memorial to the Pilgrim Fathers who sailed to America on the Mayflower. The trail north of Boston is a new route on a relatively new coastline and as it cannot continue to Skegness until a new bridge is built it stops at a convenient point to allow walkers to either turn around or to turn inland to pick up other paths. Parts of the path are very remote with no public facilities or connecting paths for many miles, so walkers are advised to be self-sufficient, taking enough food and water for the journey, checking the weather and wearing appropriate clothing and footwear. Natural England worked on this section of the King Charles III England Coast Path with its key partner Lincolnshire County Council. Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for environment at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “The Lincolnshire coast has long attracted residents and visitors looking to explore its natural beauty. It’s a great pleasure to see this latest section of the King Charles III England Coast Path is now open, giving people even greater access to our unspoilt coastline. “I had the pleasure of meeting His Majesty elsewhere on the Lincolnshire coast during his first visit to the county as King, back in July last year. He took a keen interest in the management of the coastal environment and providing access to nature. It seems fitting then, that we celebrate extending public access to the coast with the opening of this next section of the path that bears his name.” Darren Braine, Senior Officer for the King Charles III England Coast Path at Natural England, said: “It has taken many years of working with our partners and land owners to deliver this exciting new National Trail around The Wash and to create this key link in the long distance network. But our work isn’t done. The River Steeping has presented a particular challenge and we are working at pace to design and install a new bridge across the estuary. “In the meantime, we have to keep this area closed for public use as there is no means of crossing these dangerous tidal waters. Until the new bridge is installed, there are about five miles of the trail that are not yet open for public use, but we have forged ahead with opening the other 52 miles.” The King Charles III England Coast Path, once completed, will be a 2,700 mile National Trail around the whole of the English coast, enabling people to enjoy, recognise and value the benefits of our environment. Over 95% of the English coast is expected to be walkable by the end of 2024, with work to finish the job following on closely behind. The KCIIIECP will link up and improve existing coastal paths and create new access where there was none before. People can arrive at the coast anywhere in England in the confident knowledge that there will be clear, well-signed and well-managed access around the coast in either direction. The trail aims to stay as close to the coast as possible and in many places that means walking right alongside the coast, while in others it heads inland, though usually only for short distances. Once complete the King Charles III England Coast Path will be England’s longest National Trail. It is unique as a ‘coastal margin’ is being created alongside the trail. The margin includes all land between the trail and the sea, providing new rights to enjoy areas like beaches and dunes. Exceptions will apply such as private properties and gardens, buildings and MoD land. In some locations mudflats and saltmarsh will have restricted access due to their unsuitability.
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Brian Jackson

East Lindsey projects granted additional awards totalling more than £100,000 from UK Shared Prosperity Fund

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East Lindsey projects granted additional awards totalling more than £100,000 from UK Shared Prosperity Fund
Additional awards from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund (UKSPF/REPF) have been made to a number of projects across East Lindsey. The funding available for these late, additional awards has been raised through efficiency savings generated by the current UKSPF programme via the management of current grants. This is in addition to more than 150 other projects across the sub-region which have already received grants directly or indirectly from the UKSPF programme, distributed by South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP), since the fund’s creation in 2023. This funding has been distributed among: Goldwing Owners Club (Lincolnshire Branch) – Skegness Light Parade – Supporting the expansion and continuation of the popular event which raises money for multiple local charities and provides an out-of-season event in Skegness. The event, which is free, will take place on Saturday, September 28 this year and is open to people of all ages. Sir Joseph Banks CIO – Saving the Sir Joseph Banks Centre – The funding will be a contribution towards purchasing the building which the society currently uses as its museum. This will be part of a wider package of funding that will save the Grade II listed building and secure its future as an ongoing museum and rural training hub in the centre of Horncastle. The Friends of St Peter & St Paul – The Old Bolingbroke Gas House – An extension of funding to the project which will safeguard the building’s long-term future by restoring and converting it to a permanent exhibition space. Greenborough Management Ltd – Taming the Dragons – Developing an Angel Investor Network for East Lindsey Businesses – Looking to build on a successful model already in existence across the East Midlands. A total of 18 businesses will be supported through a programme which aims to improve their chances of long-term investment for growth by matching them with private financiers (or ‘Angels’) – with a proportion of these businesses going through to a ‘Dragon’s Den’ type event, in front of a live audience, to pitch to the ‘angel investors’ and receive real investment. At least four businesses will receive investment at the end of the process. In a joint statement, East Lindsey Councillors Steve Kirk, portfolio holder for The Coastal Economy, and Adam Grist, portfolio holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy, said: “We are thrilled to be able to distribute this funding to a number of projects which will benefit the people across our area while providing a boost to its economy, heritage and tourism offerings. “We are continuing to see some fantastic results from more than 150 projects across South and East Lincolnshire which have already been putting their UKSPF awards to good use – and look forward to seeing even more great things over the coming weeks and months.”
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG

Food festival’s ready to return to Louth

Stuart Pearcey
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Food festival’s ready to return to Louth
The Louth Food and Drink Festival returns to celebrate and showcase the work of food and drink producers on Sunday 29 September. The festival, in its second year, is organised by East Lindsey District Council and will welcome a variety of different stalls to the town centre between 10am and 4pm. On the day, demonstrations will also be taking place from local suppliers and venues throughout the festival, such as live music from the likes of The Athertones, Henry Atherton and The Coggle Sisters, as well as pop-up shows from Rhubarb Theatre, Earthbound Misfits and The Shenanigans. The festival is being held as part of the Council’s Vital and Viable Market Towns initiative, which aims to work with local communities to protect, promote and preserve East Lindsey’s market towns. The Vital and Viable team specifically designed the festival to promote the nationally recognised unique food and drink offer in Louth and the surrounding area. Councillor Adam Grist, East Lindsey District Council portfolio holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy, said: “At East Lindsey District Council, we are immensely proud of the fantastic variety of high-quality food and drink businesses on offer in Louth and the surrounding area, and I’m very pleased we can continue this event for a second year as it will be fantastic to see residents, visitors and traders coming together to celebrate and explore for themselves again. “Whether you prefer sweet or savoury, or if you like a tipple or something non-alcoholic, I can guarantee there will be something new for you to try that is being grown, made, baked or brewed here in Lincolnshire. I would encourage everyone to save the date and come along to support our brilliant local businesses and producers and help to put Louth and East Lindsey on the culinary map.”

Discover your Autumn escape at Ashfield Park!

Tess Egginton
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Discover your Autumn escape at Ashfield Park!
Looking for the perfect place to settle down this autumn? Ashfield Park in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire is hosting an exclusive Open Day on 17th September 2024. The park is excited to present a stunning new home, perfect for those over 50 seeking a peaceful and welcoming community. Located on the outskirts of Scunthorpe, Ashfield Park offers a relaxed, close-knit lifestyle while still providing easy access to the amenities of the town. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the friendly team, tour the park, and explore why so many have chosen Ashfield Park as their forever home. Whether downsizing or planning for a comfortable retirement, guests are sure to feel at home in this inviting setting. 📅 Mark the calendar: 17th September 2024 | 10am – 4pm 📍 Ashfield Park, Burringham Road, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire DN17 2AL

Almost sixty more miles of coast are opened for walkers

Stuart Pearcey
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Almost sixty more miles of coast are opened for walkers

Walkers now have a legal right to walk a 57-mile stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path between Sutton Bridge and Skegness.

This means the majority of the coastline of The Wash is now open to walkers, since this section links to the existing section of the around the Norfolk coastline and to Lincolnshire’s open National Trail between Skegness and Mablethorpe.

Victoria Manton, Deputy Director for Natural England in the East Midlands, said: “This new stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path will give people from all over the country access to our beautiful local coastline, connecting them with nature and providing health and wellbeing benefits. The trail will also support the local economy – bringing walkers and visitors to the towns and villages for daytrips, refreshments and places to stay.” The path provides multiple opportunities to spot sea birds, waders and other nature with views across The Wash, which is of national and international importance, and also across the rich farmed landscapes of Lincolnshire. The Wash attracts large numbers of migratory and overwintering birds such as knot, dunlin and oystercatcher. The route of the path has been carefully assessed to avoid impacts to protected species.  At Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve works have been undertaken to create a year-round dry route. The trail passes through Boston, passing the memorial to the Pilgrim Fathers who sailed to America on the Mayflower. The trail north of Boston is a new route on a relatively new coastline and as it cannot continue to Skegness until a new bridge is built it stops at a convenient point to allow walkers to either turn around or to turn inland to pick up other paths. Parts of the path are very remote with no public facilities or connecting paths for many miles, so walkers are advised to be self-sufficient, taking enough food and water for the journey, checking the weather and wearing appropriate clothing and footwear. Natural England worked on this section of the King Charles III England Coast Path with its key partner Lincolnshire County Council. Darren Braine, Senior Officer for the King Charles III England Coast Path at Natural England said: “It has taken many years of working with our partners and land owners to deliver this exciting new National Trail around The Wash and to create this key link in the long distance network.  But our work isn’t done.  The River Steeping has presented a particular challenge and we are designing and installing a new bridge across the estuary. “In the meantime, we have to keep this area closed for public use as there is no means of crossing these dangerous tidal waters.  Until the new bridge is installed, there are about five miles of the trail that are not yet open for public use, but we have forged ahead with opening the other 52 miles.” The King Charles III England Coast Path, once completed, will be a 2,700 mile National Trail around the whole of the English coast, enabling people to enjoy, recognise and value the benefits of our environment. Over 95% of the English coast is expected to be walkable by the end of 2024, with work to finish the job following on closely behind.

Full schedule revealed for No Limits Festival

Tess Egginton
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Full schedule revealed for No Limits Festival
The full 2024 schedule for No Limits Festival has been revealed. The event, allowing families to meet their favourite authors and unleash their creativity, will storm into Normanby Hall Country Park near Scunthorpe on 21 and 22 September (10am – 4pm). Brigg-based, award winning, independent bookshop, The Rabbit Hole, has curated an action-packed programme brimming with author talks and workshops, local food & craft stalls, poetry & spoken word, historical re-enactments, outdoor theatre, live music and local performers, bringing the magic of books and creative arts to life. For this very-special weekend, entry is completely free, giving families the perfect chance to discover everything the award-winning park has to offer.

Sparkling Burghley’s cracker of a Christmas Fair

Tess Egginton
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Sparkling Burghley’s cracker of a Christmas Fair
Burghley House has unveiled more details about its 2024 Christmas Fair, including a chance to soak up weekend seasonal cheer later into the evening. Returning on 28 November, the four-day event will feature over 150 stalls selling festive favourites and gifts spread across the Elizabethan house’s stately surroundings, including its cobbled courtyards. The region’s largest Christmas Fair, set against the backdrop of one of England’s greatest Elizabethan houses, attracts 25,000 visitors each year. As well as the usual opening hours of 9.30am – 4pm on the Thursday and Sunday, this year visitors will be able to shop into the evening over the weekend, with the Fair open until 7.30pm on both the Friday and Saturday. With live singers on both nights, festive fizz and cocktails – along with thousands of twinkling lights – the evening shopping sessions aim to add even more seasonal sparkle and Christmas cheer. And while tickets need to be booked online in advance, this year sees a new Flexi Ticket option, giving access on any one date during the Fair. With the historic house as a stunning backdrop, the event will again feature traditional chalets and a large heated marquee, along with an avenue of pagodas all bedecked in Christmas decorations and lights. Also back by popular demand will be a large Victorian carousel, lit up for the season, while festive music will add to the atmosphere throughout the site… plus there will be the chance of a few snow flurries, whatever the weather. Along with stalls selling a wide selection of products, many from artisan makers – including a range of stocking fillers, luxury gifts, handmade decorations, winter clothing and homewares – Burghley’s Christmas Shop will also be open throughout the Fair. Additional chalets will fill the ‘Garden Courtyard’, which was new last year, and among food and drink will be everything from traditional mulled wine and indulgent hot chocolate to warming raclette and tempting sweet and savoury crepês. With free parking, tickets cost £10 adults and £5 children (3-15 years), and must be booked online in advance, with no ticket sales on the gate. Visitors will also be able to book an arrival timeslot to minimise queues and crowds. The new Flexi Ticket costs £15 for adults and £7.50 children. For full details, visit www.burghley.co.uk.

Lincoln lantern walk to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week

Tess Egginton
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Lincoln lantern walk to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week
Parents and families are invited to take part in a lantern walk and other events to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week. United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT) is supporting parents and families this Baby Loss Awareness Week, from Wednesday 9 October until Tuesday 15 October. Rachel Bond, Specialist Midwife, said: “Baby Loss Awareness Week is important as it provides a space for families who have had a pregnancy loss or experienced the death of a baby to come together and remember their babies as part of a community. “Sadly, despite baby loss being common it is still a taboo, people don’t know what to say, so often they say nothing due to the fear of upset. This could create a barrier; cause friendships to break down or make parents feel they need to move on sooner than they are ready and push their sadness and grief away as others have moved on.” Baby Loss Awareness Week is about raising awareness and breaking down taboos, showing the importance of acknowledging and supporting families after pregnancy loss or the death of a baby. Families who have a miscarriage, ectopic or molar pregnancy often haven’t shared the joy of their pregnancy as they are early on, so they feel unable to share their sadness as people didn’t know they were pregnant. Many people grieve in silence, returning to work and life without sharing their story, which can be very lonely, especially when their family member, friend or colleague may have also had a pregnancy loss and share the same sadness without them even knowing. Rachel added: “This week can prompt painful feelings, but is also an opportunity for people to tell their stories and realise they are not alone. “ULHT supports Baby Loss Awareness Week, as we want families we have cared for to know, that they are still in our thoughts after they leave hospital. Each and every baby matters, regardless of gestation, and of whether they were alive, they remain important.” Lincoln, Boston and Grantham hospitals will be lit up pink and blue throughout the week, as well as Lincoln Cathedral and other local landmarks. Hospital chapels in Lincoln, Boston and Grantham will be open during this week with trees of remembrance, where anyone can add their own tag and light a candle. Lincoln Cathedral will also have a quiet space open for anyone to visit for reflection and to light a candle all this week. A service of reflection will be held at the Boston Stump (PE21 6NW) on Sunday 13 October at 2pm. There will be an opportunity to light a candle and add a name tag to the tree of remembrance. For the lantern walk on Sunday 13 October from Bishop Grosseteste University, families meet from 6pm and at 7pm the lantern walk to Lincoln Cathedral begins. There will be an opportunity to light a candle and reflect at the cathedral. To find out more and book a space for the lantern walk please visit the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity website. The lantern walk for Baby Loss Awareness Week has been funded by the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity. Ben Petts, Charity Manager, said: “It is important to us to support Baby Loss Awareness week, to assist our communities throughout their interactions with our hospitals and not just when they are patients.” Baby Loss Awareness Week ends with the global “Wave of Light” on Tuesday 15 October. Join families across the world by lighting a candle at 7pm and leaving it burning for at least one hour to remember all babies that have died too soon. To join the official virtual Wave of Light, take a photo of your candle and post it to Facebook, X or Instagram using #WaveOfLight at 7pm or join the BLAW Facebook event to watch the livestream.   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/U-JINN Photography
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