Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance doctor in all-female team for Great North Run
A Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) doctor is joining an all-female team of air ambulance staff taking part in the AJ Bell Great North Run in September.
Dr Isla Wormald is part of the 20-strong group from 13 air ambulance charities across the UK who are tackling the race to increase the profile of air ambulance services nationwide and to inspire other women to pursue roles within Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS).
Isla said: “Gender should not be a barrier yet within the UK HEMS, only 20% of doctors & 24% of paramedics are women. We are keen to raise awareness of the challenges facing women in this workplace and empower others to consider a career in HEMS.
“I am proud to be employed by LNAA as a HEMS doctor and to have the knowledge and skills to be able to provide pre-hospital emergency care for critically ill and injured patients.
“I am running this iconic race on 8 September which happens to be during Air Ambulance Week, to raise funds to enable our crews continue to provide such a service for residents and visitors to Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire.”
LNAA is one of the UK’s leading (HEMS) charities, funded purely by the generosity of people and businesses in Lincs & Notts. It is not part of the NHS and therefore not Government funded. With each mission costing an average of £4,000, the charity needs to raise £13 million this year to be by the side of patients in their time of greatest need.
The crew of doctors, paramedics & pilots transport the equivalent of a hospital emergency department to people suffering from the most serious of illnesses & devastating injuries, providing the best possible treatment as quickly as possible. When every second counts, the arrival of LNAA’s critical care cars and the iconic yellow helicopter really can mean the difference between life & death.
Find out how you can support Isla on her Great North Run Challenge here.
Main contractors asked to give views on Cleethorpes’ Pier Gardens scheme
The next step towards the transformation of Cleethorpes’ Pier Gardens is underway, as main contractors are asked to give their views on the scheme.
Called ‘Preliminary Market Consultation’, this is normal practice for public sector organisations and is part of the process ahead of full tenders being released for large contracts.
It allows for interested businesses to look at the detail of the project and comment and takes the form of online questionnaires and a physical event, which will be held on Thursday 12 September from 1pm at The Knoll in Cleethorpes.
Following this, officers will look at the responses, opinions and views before finalising details and releasing the main tender for the work of principal contractor, which is expected to be done later this year.
The scheme for Pier Gardens is supported by £18.4m, which was awarded to Cleethorpes from the Levelling Up Fund (LUF).
The designs were finalised after the views of hundreds of people were gathered during public events, meetings and consultations. This feedback supported more modern and wildlife friendly planting schemes, along with areas for children’s and adults’ social activities, and an area that could enable pop up events, performances and group exercise. Additionally, people wanted to make sure that the gardens had improved lighting, sympathetic to the surroundings.
As a result, specific zoned areas have been designed by landscape architects, WSP, that feature water play, terraced play features, play structures for both junior and older children, along with a flexible event space towards the Sea Road end and a quieter area for reflective contemplation at the Memorial Gate end.
Welcoming this next step in Pier Gardens’ development journey, North East Lincolnshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy, Cllr Hayden Dawkins, said: “Cleethorpes has been evolving and improving over the years and this a further step in growing our resort, which is fast becoming a jewel in the crown of our country’s East coast.
“This transformation of Pier Gardens is going to create wonderful spaces for both visitors and local people to visit and enjoy – spending time together as families and we all look forward to this work starting, and more importantly completing.”
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council
South Holland District Council to tackle graffiti in Spalding by offering £500 reward
South Holland District Council have announced that they will offer a reward of £500 for information which leads to the successful prosecution of the culprit responsible for the rampant increase in graffiti in Spalding.
In a joint venture between the Council and Lincolnshire Police, the aim is to encourage residents to come forward and help narrow down the search for the individual responsible for a host of graffiti which has been springing up in Spalding over the last few months.
The Council’s Community Safety team, alongside the Police have been investigating the incidents as part of their zero-tolerance approach to graffiti and believe the similar sign/tag could be the result of a single individual.
Unfortunately, it has not been possible to identify a suspect as yet, and as a result the Council is now looking to enlist the help of residents to help track down the individual responsible.
Councillor Anthony Casson, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, said: “I fully support this new initiative to help both our Community Safety team and our colleagues at Lincolnshire Police in gather vital information which will help us find the person responsible.
“As a Council we have a zero-tolerance approach to graffiti which degrades our towns and villages across the District. Our Officers work hard to get it cleaned up wherever possible, but this reward will help us catch one of the most prolific offenders in the local area and send a clear message – we won’t stand for graffiti here in South Holland.”
Sergeant Corder from the South Holland Neighbourhood Policing Team states: “We welcome any information about those responsible for localised graffiti.
“We recognise that graffiti is impacting the wider community and as part of the South Holland Policing Plan our aim is to tackle anti-social behaviour.
“We will continue to work alongside our partners at South Holland District Council to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Lincolnshire Police are taking this seriously and will pursue all lines of enquiry.”
A resident who provides information that results in a successful prosecution of the culprit will receive a £500 reward.
To provide information which may assist the enquiry, please contact Lincolnshire Police on 101.
Image credit: South Holland District Council
Heritage group volunteers honoured with King’s Award for Voluntary Service
RAF Ingham Heritage Group, this week, have been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, which recognises the outstanding work by local volunteer groups that benefit their communities.
The group is managed and run entirely by a community team of 25 British and Polish volunteers, who have developed and built a brand-new heritage centre dedicated to remembering and celebrating the remarkable lives of the men and women of the Polish Air Force Bomber Squadrons, flying alongside the RAF during WW2. The centre is the first of its kind in the world.
The Polish Bomber Squadrons Centre at RAF Ingham formally opened earlier this year after a fourteen year long project to bring the centre to life.
The group received recognition in November 2023 and has now been honoured with a crystal award that was presented to the team of volunteers on Wednesday 28th August by the Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby Dennis.
Chairman of the heritage group, Geoff Burton is proud of the team and to receive this prestigious award. He said: “Two factors make a project like ours work. One is funding and the other more important one is volunteers. One cannot work without the other, but the volunteers are certainly the most important.
“Our team are our greatest asset, that’s what makes our organisation and this place tick. They are the lifeblood of our project, it is their enthusiasm, energy and passion that keeps them engaged and keep coming back week in week out.
“We have the most incredible group of people you could ever wish to know and work with. We are extremely honoured and delighted to receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service which highlights and recognises the incredible hard work, dedication and commitment of our amazing team of volunteers here at RAF Ingham.
“It is their enthusiasm, energy and friendship which has made the group and this project the enduring success it is today. I am so proud of the entire team who have worked so hard and given so much to create this wonderful heritage centre to ensure this inspirational part of the joint Polish British history is there for future generations.”
The Polish Bomber Squadrons Centre at RAF Ingham is open to the public on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am to 3pm. The Main Exhibition Centre comprises of two wings, covering over 4602m of exhibition space, an atmospheric Polish Families Nissen Hut, mini-cinema, Memorial Garden and Remembrance Garden, plus a shop, cafe and toilets.
Image credit: West Lindsey District Council
Ribbon to be cut at Clee fields with family fun day
A state-of-the-art football facility in Grimsby is set to open officially this weekend with a family fun day, and a ribbon cutting ceremony involving the Mayor.
Clee Fields, situated off Ladysmith Road in Grimsby, recently underwent a refurbishment part-funded by a £1.5m grant from the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s Football Foundation, along with money from North East Lincolnshire Council’s capital budget.
Following a tender process, YMCA Humber have been announced as the new operators of the site for the next five years (to 2029), supporting grassroots football in the local community.
In July, YMCA Humber opened Clee Fields to partner and community clubs, and are looking forward to working with organisations, local football teams and clubs, providing a first-class football facility.
The official opening of the site will take place on Saturday 31st August 2024 from 10:30am to 1pm.
The day will include games and competitions, a ribbon-cutting ceremony involving the Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Steve Beasant, face-painting, an ice cream van and a BBQ.
The site is located at 140 Ladysmith Rd, Grimsby DN32 9SW – head to the large car park from Ladysmith Road.
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council
Get ready for the ultimate day of wedding planning on Sunday 15th September!
Ready for the ultimate day of wedding planning? Join us Sunday 15th September at Springfield’s Exhibition Centre Spalding for the region’s BIGGEST Wedding Show!
Every bride dreams of their special wedding day but to make that dream come true takes a lot of planning and organisation.
Whether you have just started your wedding planning, or only have a few things left to organise, you will find everything you need at the Cupids Autumn Wedding Show.
With over 65 stands, fashion shows and goodies for the first 250 brides, this event remains the biggest Wedding Show in the region. Experts in the wedding industry will display their products and services, giving you an idea of their work and price ranges which will assist you in establishing a budget for your special day.
You will be inspired by the ideas and options available and most importantly you can talk directly to the experts to discuss your own unique and personal requirements.
The exhibitors are the best at what they do, meaning they have tons of ideas and want to work with you – cake specialists can find a cake recipe to meet any special diet requirements, venue dressers will be able to turn any venue into a magical wonderland for your wedding day, jewellers will be able to design the perfect ring for you, bridal gown experts will help you find THE perfect dress, and photographers will help you capture the most important day of your life to treasure forever.
Find everything you need to plan your special day – FREE tickets available at www.cupidsweddingshows.com in advance or £4 on the day!
Knockout success of first challenge in aid of hospitals charity
More than £7,500 has been raised for the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity by local businesses, hospital staff and members of the public who took part in an It’s A Knockout challenge.
The winning team were the Lost Toys who were made up of hospital staff and their families. Members of the Clinical Education Team swapped the wards of Lincoln and Grantham hospitals to dress up as their favourite Toy Story characters.
Team Leader and Clinical Education Nurse, Jo Atterbury, said: “We had everything from Barbie and Ken, to Mr and Mrs Potato Head, Woody and Jessie, Slinky, Buzz Light Year, Pizza Planet Alien and I was Little Bo Peep and my dog Winnie made a guest appearance as one of the sheep.
“It was an amazing day, we smiled and laughed from start to finish. I cannot believe how competitive we all became. It was great to have so much fun together as a team, and at the same time raise money for such a brilliant cause that supports our patients and our colleagues. Well done to everyone involved… we are already planning our costumes for next year! Bring on the challenge, we have a title to defend.”
The competition has something for everyone, from fun quizzes, to obstacle courses, dance-offs and so much more. If you think you are up for the challenge, the date has now been released for 2025 – Sunday 29 June.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity Fundraiser, Gary Burr, said: “It was an amazing and action-packed day. The atmosphere was amazing and it was wonderful to see so many teams and their loved ones supporting our charity.
“Every penny raised will be used to help the charity support United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust patients and staff with those extras that cannot be provided by the NHS. So we would like to thank every participant and let them know that every obstacle you overcome really will help us to make a difference.
“If any local businesses or teams are interested in helping us to make It’s A Knockout 2025 bigger and better, please get in touch. Anyone can enter as a team and there are lots of other ways in which you can support this brilliant event.”
Image shows the winning team at work. Credit: United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
LIVES leaves profound impact on family after two incidents in two weeks
Ann, Stuart, and Ade had never heard of LIVES before fate brought the charity and a LIVES paramedic into their lives—twice in just two weeks.
It was a typical evening for Ade and his son, Stuart. The two were watching TV, when suddenly Stuart’s complexion turned white, and he collapsed to the floor without warning.
“When I’ve dealt with other people I can stay calm – but with Stuart the book went out the window and I just panicked,” Ade said.
Despite his fear, Ade sprang into action. Initially, he thought Stuart was in cardiac arrest and began CPR. But when Stuart started to cough, Ade realized his son was having a seizure. Ann quickly dialled 999, but the stress of the situation left her unable to speak so Ade took over the call.
Relief washed over them when a local LIVES paramedic arrived. “You just breathe a sigh of relief when they show up,” Ann says. “You know you don’t have to panic anymore—someone is there who can take control.”
The paramedic provided the crucial care Stuart needed, stabilising him until an ambulance arrived. Thanks to the swift actions of his father and the immediate care from LIVES, Stuart made a full recovery and is now back to work, and has no memory of the event.
But their ordeal didn’t end there.
Just two weeks later, Ade found himself in a similar emergency. After warning Ann about the dangers of climbing a ladder, he took on the task himself—and lost his footing. He fell from a considerable height, landing hard on his left leg.
Despite the shock and the excruciating pain of a bone protruding from his leg, Ade managed to remain calm.
Once again after the 999 call, a LIVES paramedic was the first to arrive, administering pain relief and stabilising Ade’s injury until further help could arrive.
Ade spent a week in the hospital, where surgeons pinned his leg. Now home, he’s on the mend, with Ann by his side—though she’s eagerly awaiting his full recovery, as he’s the one who does all the cooking.
This double encounter with LIVES has left a profound impact on the family. Ade is now determined to become a responder for LIVES himself, driven by the desire to protect his community as they protected him and his son. Meanwhile, Ann is rallying their neighbours to fund a defibrillator for their local area, ensuring that the lifesaving support they experienced will be available to others in need.
Council urges children to get busy with their brushes with designs for new street sweepers
East Lindsey District Council is inviting children to design artwork that will transform the district’s newly delivered street sweepers into mobile works of art.
Aimed at fostering creativity among young residents, the contest encourages participants aged 4 to 11 to submit artwork that could be featured and seen on roads of East Lindsey.
Cllr Martin Foster said: “This contest not only beautifies our street sweepers but also provides a platform for our young citizens to contribute visibly and valuably to their district.”
“Our children are the heart of this community, and their perspectives are as refreshing as they are insightful. Seeing their artwork on our street sweepers will be a daily reminder of the talent and creativity we nurture in our district.”
Competition Details:
- Eligibility: Open to children ages 4-11 residing in East Lindsey.
- Submission Deadline: 31 October 2024.
- Theme: Participants are encouraged to create artworks that reflect what their community means to them.
- Prizes: Winners will have their designs featured on street sweepers and receive a certificate and a Lego sweeper.
- How to Enter: Entries can be submitted digitally by emailing communications@e-lindsey.gov.uk or post out to ELDC Street Scene Depot, Bolingbroke Road, Fairfield Industrial Estate, Louth, LN11 OWA.
Clarkson’s Farm fan favourite to make special appearance at the LRO Show 2024
Kaleb Cooper, the beloved farm manager from the hit TV series “Clarkson’s Farm,” will be making a special appearance at the LRO Show 2024.
Kaleb Cooper, known for his no-nonsense approach and witty commentary on “Clarkson’s Farm,” has become a fan favourite for his deep knowledge of farming and his candid interactions with Jeremy Clarkson. His attendance at the LRO Show is eagerly anticipated by Land Rover fans and farming enthusiasts alike.
Highlights of Kaleb Cooper’s appearance, who visits the two day show on Sunday
- Meet & Greet: Attendees will have the unique opportunity to meet Kaleb Cooper, take photos, and get autographs.
- Q&A Session: Kaleb will participate in an interactive Q&A session where he will share insights and behind-the-scenes stories from “Clarkson’s Farm.”
- Land Rover Displays: Showcasing classic, custom, and latest Land Rover models.
- Off-Road Driving Experiences: Thrilling off-road courses for attendees to test their skills.
- Exhibitor Stalls: A wide range of stalls featuring the latest in Land Rover accessories, merchandise, and off roading equipment.
- Live Demonstrations: Engaging demos from industry experts on vehicle maintenance, upgrades, and more.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Fun for all ages with children’s adventure zones, food stalls, and live entertainment.
More than 150 gather at Lincoln’s Bomber Command Centre to mark Ukraine’s Independence Day
More than 150 people gathered at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) in Lincoln on Friday 23 August to commemorate Ukraine’s 33rd Independence Day.
The ceremony began with an Independence Day speech in English and Ukrainian, followed by tributes from Royal Air Force personnel, who also laid a commemorative wreath as did the Lincoln Sea Cadets on behalf of the Ukrainian community.
Irene Astbury, chairperson at the Ukrainian Culture Centre Lincoln, said: “It was a pleasure to honour this special day at the IBCC, a place which represents not only remembrance, but liberty and freedom too. Concluding the ceremony with the Ukrainian national anthem sang acapella was an incredibly special and a poignant moment.”
As part of the previous year’s event, the national shrub of Ukraine, a guelder rose, was planted for remembrance with red berries symbolising blood and white flowers symbolising peace. The young Ukrainian children who planted the tree returned this year to lay sunflowers at the site.
Following the ceremony, the evening was drawn to a close with traditional Ukrainian songs by the Nottingham Ukrainian Ensemble.
Nicky van der Drift, chief executive of the IBCC, said: “Our centre provided a space for the local Ukranian community to celebrate Ukranian culture and gather together in a welcoming environment. We’re committed to making IBCC the heart of the local community and as part of that ensuring it’s a place for all – as the Bomber Command was served by all.
“We celebrate all nationalities at the IBCC and during such a significant time for the Ukrainian community this is more important than ever. More than 174,000 Ukrainians have moved to the UK under the Ukrainian Family Scheme and Ukrainian Sponsorship Scheme since May 2023 due to the war, and many of them have settled in Lincolnshire and the surrounding areas. We were privileged to host the community in our space.”
Gainsborough Heritage Association celebrates 30th anniversary
Gainsborough’s Heritage Association celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, having been formed off the back of an exhibition organised by Andrew Birkitt and Paul Kemp in 1993.
That drew crowds and queues of more than 2,000 people outside the Richmond House venue, eager to see the collections of photographs and memorabilia on display, showing the need for a museum in the town.
This first exhibition led to the creation of the Gainsborough Heritage Association in 1994, and the establishment of Gainsborough Heritage Centre, which is in the Old Post Office building on North Street.
There are fantastic collections and displays to investigate, including the celebration of the towns industrial heritage to a street scene and research library! The centre is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays 10am to 4pm, with last admission at 3pm. Admission is £3 for non-members of the Association and free for members and children under 16.The Telephone Exchange Tearoom is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 3pm.
Sandringham Game & Country Fair returns September 7th & 8th
It’s Game and Country Fair time at Sandringham on Saturday & Sunday September 7th and 8th as this popular event returns to Sandringham Estate.
The show boasts a dynamic programme of entertainment in the main arena with the addition of one or two new faces and acts this year.
After a three-year absence Jousting returns to the Andy Singleton arena, with an exhilarating display by OG Performance Horse, and after a two-year absence Sandringham Game & Country Fair invites back the Stannage International Stunt Team – always an enjoyable watch.
Newcomers are complemented with all the old favourites: Horse Boarding, Scurry Racing, Falconry and various dog displays. There’s lots of choices to be made when planning your day out.
There are a host of smaller arenas dotted around the showground, the Fun Dog Show where you can enter the family pooch, or the Gundog Clinic and scurries to work out training difficulties. Improve your and your dog’s skills whilst watching Aubrey Ladyman, the newly crowned Kennel Club Spaniel Champion, and Bella, his Springer Spaniel, who will be demonstrating some of the aspects of working gundogs. He is joined by Paul Makepeace and Judy Hempstead from the gundog clinic.
Away from the arenas there’s a more relaxing atmosphere in the food courts with great street food and live music. Or you can enjoy browsing in the Craft & Food Halls; there’s something for everyone at the Sandringham Game & Country Fair.
Book your tickets now for the Sandringham Game & Country Fair on Saturday & Sunday September 7th & 8th, 10am – 6pm, at www.livingheritagecountryshows.com/tickets or ring 01283 820548. Please check the website for the full listing of events and entry details.
New hospital garden provides sanctuary for patients and staff
Patients and staff are able to escape the hustle and bustle of a hospital in a new garden funded through charitable donations.
The garden has been opened at Grantham and District Hospital and is the second of three to be created across United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust. The garden at Lincoln County Hospital was completed in May and is already being enjoyed by patients, visitors and staff. A similar green area at Pilgrim Hospital in Boston will be the next to be transformed.
All of the gardens are being jointly funded by NHS Charities Together and the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity, who provide the extras for patients and staff that are not available through NHS budgets.
The designs are bespoke to each area and were voted on by hospital staff.
The Grantham garden cost just over £60,000 to complete and provides a space for everyone to use. It is located at the rear of the new £5.3million theatres on the site.
Ben Petts, United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity Manager, said: “We understand how stressful it can be coming to hospital and so to have a space where everyone can go and enjoy some fresh air and a break away from the hustle and bustle is so valuable.”
He added: “We all hope we will never need to visit hospital, but if we do – we all appreciate a small area of sanctuary where you can have space alone with your thoughts or precious moments with loved ones.
“A lot of thought and care has been put into these gardens by our contractors at SPA Landscaping and also by members of the working group. These areas really are going to make a massive difference for our patients, colleagues and visitors.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/smolaw11
Alex Anthony from SPA Landscaping Ltd said: “It has been a delight to create another garden for United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust at Grantham and District Hospital. This is the largest of all the courtyards and presented its own challenges due to the existing infrastructure.
“We hope that due to the size of the new garden it will provide a great space that patients and visitors can enjoy and we look forward to seeing this new and beneficial area being used and appreciated by all.”
Landscaping products firm buys 15-acre site from North Lincolnshire Council
Landscaping products supplier Talasey Ltd is acquiring a 15-acre site from North Lincolnshire Council on which to build a new warehouse and storage facility in Scunthorpe, creating 130 new jobs, on top of the 100 people already employed.
Founder and CEO Mark Wall said: “Having celebrated our 20th anniversary earlier this year, we are excited to be taking this next step in our journey creating a new warehouse and distribution centre on Normanby Enterprise Park in Scunthorpe.
“Talasey moved to Scunthorpe in 2022, from where we supply landscaping solutions including paving, composite decking and fencing products, into the UK builders merchant sector. This additional operating space will allow us to move forward with the next phase of our growth strategy, creating new jobs and opportunities for the area.
“We thank North Lincolnshire Council for their support and look forward to working with the team on this acquisition.”
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see companies like Talasey going from strength to strength here in North Lincolnshire, investing millions of pounds in the area and creating even more new job opportunities for residents on their doorstep.
“More businesses are choosing North Lincolnshire, with its can-do attitude and excellent transport links, as the ideal location to expand their operations. We look forward to working with Talasey to support their continued growth plans.”
Talasey’s state-of-the-art head office facility on Normanby Road now accommodates its training academy, which offers a range of interactive courses for everyone from landscape architects to college students and homeowners.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/LuneVA/peopleimages.com
Hemswell Cliff gets £100,000 grant to create community hub at Broadcast Engineering Museum
By the end of this year the village of Hemswell Cliff is expected to have a new community hub thanks to work done by the village’s Broadcast Engineering Conservation Group.
The group plans to turn its Studio 2 at the Broadcast Engineering Museum on Capper Avenue, into a community Bub that could become a focal point for village life.
Paul Marshall, Chair of the BECG, said: “This is not just about creating a meeting space; it is about giving the people of Hemswell Cliff a place to come together, build connections, and grow as a community. It has the potential of Studio 2 to truly enhance the quality of life in the village.”
The project is funded by a £100,000 grant from the FCC Communities Foundation. West Lindsey District Council has played a key role in supporting the project, both in helping secure funding and in providing additional financial backing.
Councillor Paul Howitt-Cowan, Ward Member for Hemswell Cliff, reflected on the village’s progress, stating not every village has a museum. He added: “When I joined West Lindsey District Council in 2010, we started a long journey. Since then, we have achieved so many things, but there is still more to do. I really hope the community can come out here and support this.”
Sally Grindrod-Smith, Director of Planning, Regeneration, and Communities at the council, commented on just how far the building and the project has developed. She added: “Seeing the space up close really brings home the value of this investment. This will be a legacy for Hemswell Cliff, fostering social cohesion and ensuring that future generations have a vibrant place to gather and thrive.”
Graham Prestwood, Chair of the Hemswell Cliff Parish Council, added: “This project is just another piece in the puzzle to make Hemswell Cliff a normal village. “We have the park, the MUGA, and now this community space is being delivered for people to meet. It will be a terrific way to get people out of their homes and come together. It is especially important to be able to bring the community together. It is nice to see the growth in the village, and it is very encouraging.”
The BECG hope Studio 2 will be completed and ready for use by the end of this year, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the village.
Archaeological excavation at Fulbeck Manor unearths relics from across the centuries
A five day archaeological excavation at Fulbeck Manor has unearthed relics from across the centuries.
South Kesteven District Council helped to organise Digging Market Garden to search for traces of WW2 military heritage at a location rich in airborne forces heritage.
Funded by the University of Oxford and organised in partnership with Lincoln University and military charities, the dig drew military veterans, serving soldiers and their families as volunteers, together with specialist detectorists.
The excavated trenches yielded bullets, uniform buttons, a kit tag, engine parts, and foundations and drains from the time that the British First Airborne Division occupied the Manor and grounds in the 1944 build up to Arnhem. They also revealed unexpected traces from much older occupations of the site, including a substantial medieval building.
All finds will be carefully researched and catalogued, with the dig seen as a possible springboard into more archaeological explorations across airborne forces-related sites.
Cllr Richard Dixon Warren, SKDC Armed Forces Champion, said: “The whole event has been an absolute triumph and one that we were proud to be part of. We had no idea what we would find, but it’s been a fascinating voyage of discovery conducted in the most amazing, focused and positive atmosphere.
“It has proved what an appetite there is for further knowledge about our WW2 and airborne forces heritage.”
Prof Tim Clack, University of Oxford, said: “We have demonstrated not only the archaeological potential of digs such as this but local community interest and the viability of partnerships with the council, other universities and military charities.
“We have found an intricate tapestry of WW2 heritage and one that has enabled us unearth all sorts of other items of interest to museums.
“Memory is fragile and Digging Market Garden has also led to some amazing memory capture before it disappears. Not only did locals visit the site to share their stories and memories but, since the dig, the team has been contacted by others keen to share relevant family histories, photographs and records.”
Digging Market Garden also prompted a packed Friday night talk ‘By Air to Battle: South Kesteven’s Airborne Heritage’ by Brian Riley. The talk was introduced by Judy Urquhart, daughter of Major General Roy Urquhart, commander British First Airborne Division in 1944.
Saturday’s Public Open Day invited people onto the dig site with huge interest in the Village Hall exhibition of military memorabilia displays and military re-enactors.
Image: Stock.adobe.com/Mariana Rusanovschi
Council leader to visit British steel bosses in China
North Lincolnshire Council leader Rob Waltham is set to lead a small delegation to China to meet British Steel’s owners in an attempt to protect the future of steelmaking in Scunthorpe.
British Steel’s owners, Jingye, have previously announced a £1.25bn development plan to create new green steel making facilities in Scunthorpe.
And, North Lincolnshire Council has pledged to develop 300 acres at the site to create new, green engineering and energy jobs, creating more opportunities for residents to access sustainable, high-paid jobs.
Cllr Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We have been working with British Steel and the previous Government across a number of years to protect steelmaking and livelihoods here in North Lincolnshire.
“We continue to work the new Government too and we are asking them to back our plan for the site and protect steelmaking and jobs locally.
“Whatever the plans are going forward, we have to protect the sovereign capability for blast furnace steel and create a new future for steelmaking at the same time, using taxpayers’ money to lose jobs is not acceptable.
“We are determined to protect and enhance this vital industry, which is the backbone of our local economy and essential to our national security.”
A small team of three people are to travel in September to the Shijiazhuang province and will hold meetings with senior officers, civic leaders and directors of the company.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/riachsion
Ports of Grimsby and Immingham form a vital link in UK’s food chain
The Ports of Grimsby and Immingham together are the leading UK ports for fish imports, and a vital link in the supply chain, according to ABP.
Business wins food waste recycling tender with Lincolnshire County Council
BioteCH4 has secured a new contract with Lincolnshire County Council to recycle food waste from all districts within Lincolnshire.
BioteCH4, the Anaerobic Digestion (AD) operator, handled over 600,000 tonnes of food waste in 2023, producing power equivalent to the electricity used by over 30,000 homes for an entire year.
When food waste is disposed via Energy from Waste, the energy and nutrient benefits are not fully harnessed. By separately collecting food waste and recycling it through AD, these greenhouse gases are captured and converted into biogas and renewable energy, which is then injected into the national grid and the digestate by-product is recycled to land to help grow more food.
Following confirmation that all Councils must provide a weekly food waste collection from March 2026, Lincolnshire County Council has moved quickly, securing an in-county solution with BioteCH4 which will see up to 50,000 tonnes of food waste captured annually from homes and businesses across the county.
Starting in Autumn 2025, BioteCH4 will collect the food waste daily from a network of six transfer stations throughout the county for up to 9 years. BioteCH4 will use its experience to collaborate closely with the councils as they implement these food waste collections for the first time, ensuring a smooth rollout of services and maximising the amount of food waste recycled across the county.
Pamela Woolcock, Group Public Sector Lead for BioteCH4, said: “Although the Simpler Recycling journey has been long, we are nearing the finish line. We are thrilled to now be partnered with Lincolnshire County Council with a year to work on perfecting the implementation plans before we kick-off in September 2025.
“We’re delighted Lincolnshire have taken the step of introducing their food waste collections so soon and we’d urge other local authorities currently looking at their procurement to speak to operators and get the ball rolling as soon as is feasible. We’d welcome any questions, and our sites are open for visits to meet our team of experts.”
Chris Yorston, acting head of waste at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Having secured our treatment solution, we can now focus – with our district council partners and BioteCH4 – on designing, procuring, and implementing the other elements of our food waste collection service. We are looking forward to bringing all our knowledge and experience together to bring food waste recycling to households across the county.”
Picture: Hemswell Biogas, Lincolnshire. Credit – BioteCH4
