Learn how to be environmentally friendly at fun Eco Activity Day

If you are looking for a fun way in which to learn how to be environmentally friendly, why not join the South Holland District Council Communities Team for a day of activities in the great outdoors? The Eco Activity Day will take place on Thursday, May 30 in Sutton Bridge – and there will be something for everyone to try out while also learning about how to be an environmental champion. Between 11am and 3pm, Sutton Bridge Memorial Park Playing Field will host a plethora of exciting and educational fun, including street theatre, crafting and even some minibeast hunting. Rhubarb Theatre, which is dedicated to providing children and their families the opportunity to learn and play through access to arts, will perform ‘Collection Day’. The performance, which has been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is a fun, family friendly street theatre piece with themes of waste, recycling, reusing and the impact pollution has on our wildlife and waterways. The entertainment doesn’t end there. Visitors will be able to get crafty in the Enviro Craft gazebo, enjoy activities and learn more from community groups, create some environmental art or go minibeast hunting in the Nature Lab. Councillor Tracey Carter, South Holland District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Communities, said: “This is going to be such a fantastic event with a really important theme to it. “We’re hopeful that families will be able to come down and enjoy the free activities while also learning something that perhaps they didn’t know before. “It promises to be a great day, rain or shine.”

Projekt Renewable wins community award

Projekt Renewable was named the winner of the Engaging the Community | Community Project Award, in partnership with Blackrow Wind, at the Offshore Wind Connections Humber Renewable Awards that took place in early May at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Hull. Projekt Director Rich was there on the night, saying: “I honestly didn’t think we’d stand a chance given the other projects that had been shortlisted. “The win is for everybody that was in the room on the night – PRG (Projekt Renewable, Grimsby) is one of several projects working to bridge the gap between community and industry. And in an industry that is moving as rapidly as renewables, that conduit and channel of communication is vital. “The judges summed it up for me, ‘It’s very easy for big companies to pledge some money to a community project, but it’s really hard to do it the other way around and build something of substance from the ground up’.” Conceived 2021, designed 2022, delivered 2023 – PRG exists because Projekt Director, Richard Askam, was tasked with creating something in the centre of Grimsby to inspire the next generation. The world knows Grimsby for its fishing heritage but its flourishing renewable energy sector and the opportunities that lie within it, exist and operate largely out of sight. An educational and cultural hub, Projekt Renewable, Grimsby has been created to inspire the next generation of renewable energy experts through a ‘destination’ full of energy and immersive experiences. Creating a better environment for the future of our planet and the generations to come, with homegrown talent at its core – this is what Projekt Renewable embodies. Designed and built from shipping containers, re-purposed to house a podcast and YouTube studio along with visitor experiences from the likes of RWE, The Crown Estate, NSPCC, myenergi and others – Projekt Renewable has quickly gained national notoriety as Government and industry seek to bring the public on the journey to Net Zero.

New wildlife watching facilities offer a bird’s eye view at Barton’s Waterside

Hidden cameras are to be installed in bird boxes at Waters’ Edge Country Park in Barton will mean visitors can see local wildlife without any disturbance. The boxes, to be installed in a £30,000 project over the next few weeks, will be linked to monitors inside the viewing area so visitors can see the birds up close. The funding will also be used to help wildlife by introducing floating tern rafts on some ponds, which will help birds breed on site in order to maintain the local tern population. Encouraging people to interact with their local environment has a positive effect on physical and mental health and improves overall wellbeing. Cllr David Rose, cabinet member for environment, said: “We have so much precious wildlife right on our doorstep, but it is difficult to see it and connect with it without disturbing it. “This welcome funding will give us – literally – a bird’s eye view. In addition, the new tern rafts will hopefully mean not only will we be able to maintain the tern population at Waters’ Edge but increase it as well.”

Lincolnshire Hospitality Trade Show makes history as exhibitor spaces sell out in record time

The inaugural Lincolnshire Hospitality Trade Show has set a remarkable precedent in the industry by selling out all available exhibition spaces for the county’s first and only B2B-focused hospitality event. Organisers of the event, Globella and Stokes Tea and Coffee, are thrilled to announce this unprecedented success, marking a significant milestone in the region’s hospitality sector. Scheduled to take place at the prestigious Harlaxton Manor on Wednesday 15 May 2024, the first-of-its-kind event is poised to revolutionise the way businesses in the hospitality industry connect, network, and thrive. With a comprehensive lineup of over seventy exhibitors, speakers, and interactive sessions, the event promises to offer unparalleled opportunities for professionals to explore cutting-edge trends, forge valuable partnerships and discover innovative solutions to propel their businesses forward. “We are ecstatic to witness such an overwhelming response to our inaugural event,” said Event Organiser, Hannah Tomlinson of Globella. “The fact that the exhibition spaces sold out in record time underscores the immense enthusiasm and anticipation within the industry for a platform that fosters growth, creativity, and excellence. “We are extremely grateful for the tremendous support from exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, and attendees and cannot wait to open the doors next week to deliver an exceptional experience that exceeds all expectations.” From culinary demonstrations from local eateries to leading suppliers presenting the latest innovations in hospitality technology and services, the Lincolnshire Hospitality Trade Show is set to be a dynamic hub of inspiration, education, and collaboration for all attendees. For more information about the event and to book your tickets, please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lincolnshire-hospitality-trade-show-tickets-667722504987

Don’t be taken in by despicable telephone scam, warns NEL Carelink

North East Lincolnshire Carelink is warning customers to be aware of a telephone scam currently targeting users in the region, which involves companies calling vulnerable people in the North East Lincolnshire and advising them that their equipment will not work due to digital changes. “This is not true,” says Vickie Fisher, CEO of North East Lincolnshire Carelink. “They are also asking for payments over the phone, which is not Carelink’s policy as, in most cases, payments have already been set up. “The scam is particularly despicable as it is targeting people who are already in vulnerable situations due to ill health, and who rely on the Carelink service for vital support.” Her advice to Carelink users is, if in doubt, hang up and press their Carelink pendant to check who is ringing you. “We will answer your call 24/7 or call 01472 312312,” she added. NEL Carelink is a charity based in Grimsby, covering North East Lincolnshire and surrounding areas, and supporting more than 3,000 people to remain in their homes and retain their independence. NELC and partners formed the charity in 1995 to provide telecare equipment and a monitoring centre to support them. Carelink has private customers who pay directly for their alarms, as well as specific contracts with NELC, health and housing providers to support people in the area. Cllr Stan Shreeve, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, said Carelink users should be on their guard, “The Carelink service provides invaluable support to people who are suffering from ill health and who want to remain in their own homes. It provides peace of mind to residents and their loved ones that if anything was to happen then help is closely at hand. “These appalling scams are targeting some of our most vulnerable residents and we urge everyone to be on their guard and to follow Carelink’s advice and guidance if they receive any of these calls.”

Government offers support for Lincolnshire’s efforts to create special school

The Department for Education has approved the county council’s bid for a new 154-place special free school providing support for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs.

The project is currently in the very early stages, with the council exploring potential locations in the centre of the county. Design work will be progressed over the coming months, in partnership with the DfE. Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell, executive member for children’s services, said: “This new school has been a long-term aspiration for the council, and we’re very grateful to the DfE for making it possible. “Over the last few years, the council has invested around £100m in improving and expanding special schools across the county, meaning more pupils with special educational needs and disabilities can now attend a local school instead of having to travel large distances for their education. “This new project will continue that good work, ensuring that all pupils can get a good start in life, with any additional support they might require. I’m sure the school will bring lasting benefits for children and their families, and I look forward to seeing the work move forward.” The council will be working with the DfE and partner organisations to find a preferred operator for the new free school in the months ahead, after which the DfE will select a multi-academy trust to run it.
 

Maroon tulips bloom to honour airborne forces

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Eye-catching maroon tulips are blooming to honour South Kesteven’s WW2 links with the Parachute Regiment for the 80th anniversary of Arnhem. The tulips are at locations linked to WW2 paratroopers as part of a growing international trail of Airborne Tulip Memorials. South Kesteven District Council funded 1,000 tulips from Holland to commemorate a unique chapter in the district’s military heritage. The trail honours men of the British 1st Airborne Division, many of whom were billeted and trained locally before flying from airfields at Barkston Heath and Saltby for Operation Market Garden – the battle of Arnhem – in September 1944. Tulips colour-matching the distinctive beret worn by British airborne forces are SKDC’s tribute to the bravery of thousands of troops engaged in the battle for the bridges in the Netherlands. Cllr Richard Dixon-Warren, SKDC Armed Forces Champion, said: “We have a unique local heritage of hosting and training airborne forces here for the biggest ever wartime airlift of troops and equipment to Arnhem. “Seeing these tulips bloom in their honour is our tribute to their bravery and sacrifice.” Cheshire man Darren Key, whose grandfather fought at Arnhem, worked with gardener Caroline Frost, Col Frost’s daughter, to choose the maroon Attila Graffiti tulip variety for its colour. He started the memorial trail in the Netherlands last year at sites around Arnhem. Tulips are blooming at:
  • St Vincent’s Church, Caythorpe: a shrine to airborne forces
  • Easton Walled Gardens: Easton Hall housed 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment troops under Lt Col John Frost
  • Harlaxton Manor: Airborne forces links are commemorated with a large courtyard plaque of the 1st Airborne Division
  • RAF Saltby: the WW2 departure airfield for thousands of allied troops
  • St Andrew and Mary’s Church, Stoke Rochford: place of worship for 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment
  • Fulbeck Manor: accommodation for British 1st Airborne Division Commander Maj Gen Roy Urquhart
  • Fulbeck Craft Workshops: former workshops for British 1st Airborne Division
  • Grimsthorpe Castle: HQ for the 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Volodymyr

Dinosaur descends on Gainsborough

Prehistoric times are upon us as dinosaur Pete is back stomping around Gainsborough Farmers’ and Craft Market. On Saturday 11 May, meet Pete on his scheduled walkabouts at 10am, 11am and 1pm. Walkabouts will last for approximately 15 to 20 minutes as Pete is still only an adolescent and needs to snooze to get his energy back! Meet Pete’s baby dino friends whilst he is napping. Regular market traders will be there offering the best in local, fresh, homemade and handmade produce, as well as the antiques fair to dive into a treasure trove of collectables and more. Nicola Marshall, Towns Manager at West Lindsey District Council, said: “Dinosaur Pete was such a big hit last time he stomped his way to town and I’m so pleased that he is returning for the children and adults! “It’s events like these that bring the whole community together and thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund we are able to put on extra activities for local residents that are free.”   Image courtesy of West Lindsey District Council

Hospice offers time to reflect with unique feather display at Aubourn Hall

The largest awareness and fundraising campaign being staged this year by St Barnabas Hospice is currently taking place at Aubourn Hall just south of Lincoln. It’s a art installation called ‘Feathers from Above’, which displays 1,000 hand-made ironwork feathers, which the Hospice says represent a unique way to remember a loved one. Says Caroline Swindin, Head of Fundraising and Lottery at the Hospice: “The spectacular display will be available for members of the public to visit during day displays or smaller evening displays. “The bespoke and unique ironwork feathers have been designed, created, and displayed in support of St Barnabas and all money raised will provide more people in Lincolnshire with free, vital end of life care.” The displays will run from now until 17th May, and are open for members of the public to visit and reflect during this period. St Barnabas Hospice not only offers care in its own premises in Lincoln and Grantham, but also takes care ‘on the road’ through its Hospice at Home service. The hospice story began more than 40 years ago, when a group of people with just £270 formed a charitable trust with a view to developing a hospice. Three years later the trust had gathered enough money to buy a nursing home on Lindum Terrace at Lincoln, which opened as a four-bed unit.

Construction underway on two new NHS community diagnostic centres

Construction work is underway for two new NHS community diagnostic centres (CDCs) in Lincolnshire as part of a £38million investment in services. The centres in Skegness and Lincoln will offer a variety of diagnostic services, including X-ray, MRI, CT and non-obstetric ultrasound, for convenient, timely care away from busy hospital sites. Both builds represent a significant development in local NHS services, with the centre in Skegness believed to be the largest single NHS investment in the town in many years. The Skegness CDC will be located on Old Wainfleet Road, while the Lincoln CDC will be on the Lincoln Science and Innovation Park, off Tritton Road. Both facilities will be run by United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT). Julie Frake-Harris, Chief Operating Officer at ULHT, said: “The start of groundworks on the Skegness and Lincoln sites is a significant and exciting step forward in the delivery of this programme for our patients. “Working in collaboration with NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board, we have involved patients and clinical teams at every stage of development to ensure we are creating an environment that is welcoming, modern and fit for purpose for the broad range of patient groups who will be able to use it. “The convenience of these facilities is supported by free on-site parking, and having diagnostic testing in the community not only helps to reduce waiting times, it also frees up capacity in our busy hospitals to support those in need of emergency care.” In Skegness, the CDC will have diagnostic facilities not previously available in the area, including CT, MRI, echocardiograms and dental x-rays. Plans also include a chemotherapy service to reduce the amount of travel necessary for cancer patients.
The architect impression of Skegness Community Diagnostic Centre
A temporary mobile MRI scanner has already been placed on the east coast in Mablethorpe, at Marisco Medical Practice, to provide additional appointments while the Skegness build is completed. In Lincoln, the CDC will have dedicated training facilities to support the training of future radiographers, with ULHT becoming one of the first NHS Trusts in the country to link directly with a school of radiography at the University of Lincoln. Temporary MRI and CT scanners are also already in place on the Lincoln Science and Innovation Park while building work is completed. The contract to build both CDCs has been awarded to MTX, a modern methods of construction specialist. Additional funding of £38m has been provided by the Department of Health and Social Care to make the development possible. These new CDCs follow the success of the Grantham CDC, which was the first to open in Lincolnshire in April 2022 and has recently had a £5m expansion to open CT and MRI facilities. To date, Lincolnshire’s CDC programme has supported the delivery of more than 80,000 diagnostic tests. Clair Raybould, Executive Director for System Delivery, NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board, said: “The CDC programme is offering opportunity to explore how health and care organisations can develop and deliver services differently to address some of the unique challenges faced within our local communities, from a population and geographical perspective. “As well as offering vital diagnostic testing, Lincolnshire’s CDCs have been designed to allow clinical space for other services, enabling the facility to develop further as a community hub. “These partnerships are already helping to facilitate the provision of temporary services during construction works, the introduction of new services such as physiological testing, and the growth of future workforce development.” Skegness and Lincoln’s CDCs are expected to open to patients in autumn 2024.   Main image shows: The architect impression of Lincoln Community Diagnostic Centre Images courtesy of United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust

Sutton-on-Sea to host ‘Celebration of Youth’ this May half-term

A free two-day celebration of Sutton-on-Sea and its youth is taking place this upcoming May half-term at Meridale Youth and Community Centre on Wednesday 29 May, 10am to 4pm, and Thursday 30 May from 5pm to 8pm. The Celebration of Youth event is part of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership’s Arts Council England NPO project and seeks to encourage pride of place amongst the younger generations of Sutton-on-Sea. Children and families of all are welcome to come along to enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment. On Wednesday 29 May, a pop-up graffiti wall will be available throughout the whole day, 10am to 4pm, as well as a pop-up skate park which be available from 12pm to 4pm. A silent disco will be taking place on Thursday 30 May, from 5pm to 8pm. Throughout the event, DJ Alex from Popcorn Media will be providing a wide range of music for visitors to enjoy. No booking is required for the event, and all children under the age of 16 should be accompanied by an adult. The project is part of the Partnership’s NPO project through funding from Arts Council England, which looks to support arts, culture, heritage and creativity across the whole of South and East Lincolnshire, providing meaningful opportunity and programming for residents, developing the sector and helping to build the arts, culture and heritage offer. Sutton-on-Sea was identified as East Lindsey’s creative hub site to deliver creative activity as part of the funding, supported through the new Colonnade building currently under construction, with the programme being supported by an eight-member culture board which draws experience from a variety of sectors. Councillor Craig Leyland, Leader at East Lindsey District Council, said: “I’m delighted that we are able to have another free, exciting event coming up in Sutton-on-Sea for residents and visitors to enjoy this half term, that focuses on the younger generation and giving them opportunities that may not always be available in their local area. “As well as the chance to try something new and have some fun, I hope that the Celebration will act as an educational experience to learn about arts and culture and the history of Sutton-on-Sea, and promote a pride of place in their surroundings and environment.”   Picture shows Meridale Youth and Community Hall in Sutton-on-Sea. Image credit: Google maps

Thousands of tonnes of sand will bolster Lincolnshire coastline’s flood defences

Over the next seven weeks about 400,000 cubic metres of sand will be topped up on beaches between Saltfleet and Gibraltar Point to help reduce the risk of flooding for Lincolnshire’s coastal communities. The Environment Agency’s annual beach management sees sand dredged from licensed areas of the seabed pumped onto the beach to replace levels naturally lost to the sea throughout the year. This reduces the risk of flooding for 20,000 homes and businesses, 24,500 static caravans and 35,000 hectares of land. Replenishing the sand means that the beaches, instead of hard defences like sea walls, take the brunt of the waves’ force and energy. This reduces the amount of damage and erosion to those hard defences and lessens the risk of water overtopping them. The Environment Agency has been restoring sand levels on the Lincolnshire coast every year since 1994. In addition to reducing flood risk, the work brings supplementary social and economic benefits by retaining the sandy beaches for a vibrant tourism industry. Deborah Higton, Flood Risk Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “As well as reducing the risk of flooding to 20,000 homes and businesses, 24,500 static caravans and 35,000 hectares of land,the work helps maintain the county’s sandy beaches for us all to enjoy. But despite our best efforts, flooding can still happen. That’s why we urge people to prepare and plan for the worst, including by signing up to receive free flood warnings.” The work started at Boygrift, and will progress along the coast in stages at roughly these dates, which are subject to change:
  • Boygrift, 2 to 7 May.
  • Mablethorpe, 6 to 9 May.
  • Trusthorpe, 8 to 16 May.
  • Sutton on Sea, 15 to 17 May.
  • Huttoft, 17 to 31 May.
  • Trunch Lane, 22 May to 27 May.
  • Ingoldmells, 22 May to 27 May.
  • Wolla Bank, 26 May to 30 May.
  • Wolla Bank/Chapel Six Marshes, 19 May to 4 June.
People visiting these beaches on days that work is under way are asked to stay clear of the worksites. The £7 million beach management work is funded as part of the Environment Agency’s capital programme. The programme is a record £5.2 billion government investment in England’s flood and coastal defences to better protect hundreds of thousands of properties by 2027.

Councillor speaks out against ‘industrialisation of Lincolnshire’

Lincolnshire County Councillor Colin Davie has spoken out against plans by National Grid and Osean to run a further three lines of electricity cables under the county, and to develop a substation at Alford that will be bigger than the town itself. In a statement at the council’s Executive he said: “In January National Grid announced plans to run a 140km line of 50m high electricity pylons through the Lincolnshire countryside, from Grimsby in North East Lincolnshire to Walpole, just over the Norfolk border. We have been extremely clear about our objection to this proposal. “We have since received details of two proposals from National Grid and one from Osean which will see three further cabling routes and infrastructure coming onshore in Lincolnshire. Once again, the proposals involve cables running under the sea all the way from Scotland, coming on land in Lincolnshire to take power primarily to London and the Southeast. “Whilst burying cabling underground has obvious benefits over large-scale above-ground infrastructure, with National Grid planning to carve up Lincolnshire through so many projects, we need to look at the cumulative impacts of all of these proposals and the detrimental impacts they will have on our landscape and the mental health of our residents. “This is industrialisation of the Lincolnshire coast is on a scale we have never seen before. A substation proposed for Alford, for example, has a larger footprint that the town itself. “If all these proposals were taken as one application by a planning authority, it would be refused due to the sheer scale of it and the impact, irreversibly changing to character of the county. “We will not accept this piecemeal approach to development. It is our job to champion Lincolnshire and fight for the landscapes and the communities that would be affected so hugely by these proposals. “Instead, we proposed that National Grid look to install this infrastructure offshore. This would be the most sustainable, secure, and cost-effective option and would mean the power could come onshore precisely where it is most needed, and not channelled through vast swathes of the countryside. “I will be writing to councils in the East Anglia – who are in much the same position – so that we can put on a united front against these plans.” These projects will be classed as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, so planning permission will be decided by the government, and not Lincolnshire County Council or the district councils.

Wolds Outdoor Festival returns this weekend until the end of May

The Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival returns at the weekend with more than 100 events and activities to celebrate the natural beauty of this special landscape, many of which are free or at reduced cost. From fly-fishing to gliding, dancing in nature, sea dipping at Anderby Creek, a pop-up theatre in Spilsby and Jurassic Wolds at Horncastle and South Ormsby, there is something taking place for all ages across the length and breadth of the Wolds. The festival includes a number of themed walks include dog walks, fruit farm walk, ice cream walk, Louth flood walk, birdwatching walk, wellbeing walks, nature walks, village and town trails and much more. There is a Festival Activity Day at Stourton Woods from 10am-4pm on Sunday 12 May which includes archery and axe throwing, bushcraft and foraging, free-movement in woodland, a football shoot out, bat tours, farm safaris, walks and much more. Councillor Adam Grist, Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and the Rural Economy at East Lindsey District Council, said: “The beautiful Wolds are a real gem in Lincolnshire’s crown. Anyone who lives, works or visits the Wolds knows how special a landscape it is. “I am delighted that the Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival will give even more people an opportunity to enjoy the Wolds, learn about its history and the communities which thrive there. “The schedule of events really provides something for all interests and also support the wellbeing of residents and visitors by enjoying a social activity in the great outdoors. “You never know, you may discover a new hobby or skill as well as finding out more about local businesses and producers based in the Wolds. “Have a look at the action-packed programme for yourselves and take the opportunity of trying one of the many free or reduced-cost events during the festival. You never know what you will discover!” The festival – on until Bank Holiday Monday 27 May – is organised by a steering group of organisations, including: Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service, The Ramblers, Active Lincolnshire, Stourton Estates, South Ormsby Estate, Lincolnshire County Council, East and West Lindsey District Councils; with East Lindsey District Council serving as lead delivery partner. The festival aims to encourage people to visit and explore the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, take part in a range of organised activities and learn more about its history.

Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance runners pound the streets to raise vital funds for life-saving charity

Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) have given a big thank you to everyone who donned their running shoes during April to take part in one of three long distance running events and collectively raised a staggering £49,600 to date. This amazing accomplishment started with the London Landmarks Half-Marathon on 7 April. 15 runners competed in the race and raised £7,518 for LNAA. The Lincoln 10k on 14 April saw 288 people, including 250 runners from the University of Lincoln, join forces to run the picturesque route around some of Lincoln’s most iconic landmarks in aid of LNAA’s life-saving work. Together they raised £11,366. And finally on 21 April, 11 runners laced up their trainers and competed in the London Marathon, raising an incredible £30,000. LNAA Events Manager Georgia Watson said: “What can we say but thank you to everyone who took part in one of these three challenge events and raising such an unbelievable amount of money. The support from every one of our runners has funded 12 potentially life-saving missions.” Kate Ray, one of the London Marathon Runners, said: “It was absolutely incredible atmosphere and an amazing day to share with many doing something amazing to help so many good causes. I felt so privileged to run in aid of a very special charity – one that’s there to help on the worst day of someone’s life.” Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance receives no direct Government funding and relies on the generosity of people, organisations and communities in Lincs & Notts to fund the £13million needed this year to keep the iconic helicopter and two critical care cars operational. Participating in one of LNAA’s challenge events is one way to get involved, push yourself to the limits and raise vital funds. More details: ambucopter.org.uk/find-an-event/challenge-events/

Laceby Manor develops new luxury lodge park

With wellness tourism forecast to grow by 16.6% annually and 94% of travellers incorporating self-care into their travels,* Lincolnshire’s Laceby Manor Golf and Spa Resort is enhancing its position to deliver UK wellness staycations with a new development of luxury lodge properties. Set within 150 acres of grass and woodland, the sustainability-conscious resort is nestled on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and has been completely transformed over the past decade, thanks to continual investment in the golf course and club house, introduction of an award-winning spa and the addition of two restaurants, a fully-equipped gym and multiple on-site accommodation types. Its newest restaurant, the adults-only Oak Room Restaurant, sits within the Spa gardens with beautiful views over the golf course and additional outdoor seating for al fresco dining in the summer. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner with seasonal menus, a well-stocked wine wall and premium cocktails. The Oak Room Pizzeria is a more casual dining option, open to adults and well-behaved children aged 11 and over. Freshly-fired sourdough pizzas are served by the inviting log burner or al fresco in the summer. On-site guests can order from the Oak Room Pizzeria to collect for in-lodge dining. For those looking for an investment property, a weekend escape or a retirement retreat, the development of a new luxury lodge park is now underway with one and two-bedroomed lodges available for sale. Each fully furnished accommodation is bought with everything included, from TVs and appliances to bedding, linen and furniture. With a 12-month season, lodge owners have the freedom to arrive any time, 365 days a year, or sublet using the fully managed rental service, backed by Landal Greenparks. Each lodge owner also receives two golf and gym memberships with member access included to the award-winning spa. Laceby Manor Golf and Spa Resort will be showcasing a lodge at this year’s Lincolnshire Show on 19 & 20 June – stand no. 6-17. Find out more at lacebymanor.co.uk/own-a-lodge   *Global Wellness Institute and Forbes

HETA celebrates record achievement rates and success of learners

Humberside Engineering Training Association is “proud of another significant achievement” as it announces record-high qualification achievement rates for its Level 3 Apprenticeship Programmes.

Established in 1967 by employers, for employers, the not-for-profit organisation has reached an all-time high in its success metrics but has also secured a prestigious position among the top 10 in the UK for Engineering & Engineering Construction training. The latest figures reveal that HETA’s achievement rates have soared, standing an impressive 20% above the national average. This remarkable feat underscores the organisation’s dedication to providing quality training, bridging crucial skills gaps, and facilitating sustainable employment opportunities for young individuals entering the industry. Iain Elliott, CEO of HETA, expressed his immense pride in the accomplishments of the HETA team, stating: “I am incredibly proud of our team’s hard work and dedication, which has culminated in these outstanding achievement rates. At HETA, we are deeply committed to equipping our learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in Industry.” Going on to emphasise HETA’s ongoing mission to address the skills gap prevalent in the industry and to empower young people with the tools they need to secure meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities, he added: “Our focus on delivering quality training not only benefits the individuals we train but also contributes to the overall strength and resilience of the industries we serve.” HETA remains committed to enhancing its curriculum to effectively address the evolving needs of the region. Recognising the importance of decarbonisation and the advancements of Industry 4.0, HETA continues to focus on developing learning modules that equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to gain an understanding about these areas. By integrating decarbonisation strategies and Industry 4.0 principles into its curriculum, HETA ensures that its apprentices are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the workforce while also fostering sustainability and innovation within the region’s industries. HETA’s success comes at a crucial time when industries across the UK are facing significant challenges in recruiting skilled workers. By consistently surpassing national averages and ranking among the top institutions for Engineering & Engineering Construction training, HETA continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the workforce of the future. As HETA celebrates these record achievements, the organisation remains steadfast in its commitment to providing innovative training solutions and fostering a skilled workforce capable of driving economic growth and prosperity in the Yorkshire and Humberside region and beyond.   Image: Stock.adobe.com/pressmaster

An academic route for the ambitious at Queen Ethelburga’s College (QE)

QE College is known globally for its consistently high-ranking league table positions, placing 2nd nationally for A Level Results in the Sunday Times Parent Power 2023, with 98.8% A*-B grades achieved. One of two senior schools for Years 10-13 at QE, the College offers an academic pathway tailored towards aspirational careers and competitive next steps where students get hands-on experience in their passions, compete nationally in competitions, undergo research projects, and become independent learners who can communicate their ideas with confidence. Undertaking QE’s academic pathway supports students to develop key skills and knowledge within specific fields of interest. Students choose from an extensive range of academic pursuits within the Stretch and Challenge programme including psychology, law, debate, medicine and veterinary, linguistics, esports, journalism, young leaders, economics, tycoon in schools and the student investor challenge. Academic pathway students receive an assigned UCAS Mentor along with access to a team of expert career advisors who assist them with university applications, interview preparation and technique, entrance exams, finding work experience, writing personal statements and choosing the right course. Those applying for competitive university places receive a high level of extra support within the Early Applicant Programme and can attend guest speaker lectures on topics such as applying to and studying at Oxbridge. QE recognises that the university market can be highly competitive and so encourage students to set themselves apart from their peers by participating in an extra-curricular offering of over 100 activities. Many students also undertake an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) where they research, write and present on a topic of interest to them. QE offers a broad itinerary of workshops and lectures on life skills from building effective study habits and coping with exam stress to cooking and managing finances at university. There are also seminars and workshops delivered by alumni, professionals, entrepreneurs and changemakers. One of the most effective initiatives is The QE Study Toolkit which prepares students for lifelong learning through teaching the most effective methods for study and revision.   QE College is a diverse and engaging school for ambitious academics. For more information on QE’s Academic Pathway, visit www.qe.org or email admissions@qe.org for a private tour.

Gainsborough kids invited to become explorers

The 6th Gainsborough Sea Scout Group recently opened an Explorer Unit (boys and girls aged 14 to 17). The reason for opening it was that some of the Scouts (boys and girls aged 10 to 14) wanted to move to the next section but the nearest Explorer Unit was difficult to get to, so they started their own unit. In the short time they have been open, some of the activities they have done are archery, baking, camping, cooking, crate stacking, kayaking, and paintball. Activities they have planned for the next few months include a narrowboat camp, hikes in the Peak District and a triathlon. When asked what they liked about Explorers, the young people said: “Sleeping in hammocks, meeting a diverse range of people, being involved in planning the programme and helping out with some of the younger sections.” Jonathan Swatton, lead volunteer for the Scout Group, said: “The young people will learn skills such as teamwork, leadership, independence, resilience, responsibility, and self-confidence. They will also have a tremendous amount of fun and will be able to do activities they have not done before.” In a recent survey, 88% of Scouts said they tried activities in Scouts that they haven’t tried before. The Unit, which meets on every other Monday at their headquarters in Love Lane, is looking for more volunteers. In a recent survey, 85% of people who volunteered said they had flexibility around their volunteering commitment and the same proportion would recommend their charity as a great place to volunteer. For further information about the Unit, please contact Christopher.wright@gainsboroughscouts.org.uk

Grantham Market Place refurbishment begins next week

Work will start next week on a major transformation of Grantham Market Place into an accessible, public open space fit for the 21st Century. The improvements will drive footfall in Grantham town centre and the market area – and create a multi-use, social space for local people and visitors in the heart of Grantham. The roadworks will mean temporary changes to through routes for vehicles. This includes closure of Market Place, Narrow Westgate and Conduit Lane, 24 hours a day for the duration of the work which begins on Tuesday, 7 May, and is expected to take 22 weeks. Drivers will be asked to follow a diversion via High Street / A52 Wharf Road / Sankt Augustin Way / Barrowby Road / A607 / Brownlow Street / Watergate and vice versa. Union Street and Conduit Lane will remain open up to Greyfriars and the taxi rank. A spokesperson for South Kesteven District Council said: “The Market Place improvement builds on current projects to improve shop fronts to enhance the appeal of the town centre, and SKDC’s work to encourage more affordable housing in the town centre through upper-floor conversions. “The Council’s roles and responsibilities include showcasing everything that is great about our towns and attracting investment. “The newly agreed Corporate Plan outlines an ambition to support a dynamic and growing local economy to the benefit of all our communities, and to make South Kesteven an attractive place to visit, work, invest, study and do business in.” The £4.19 million of investment, secured from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund through a bid by South Kesteven District Council, will transform both the Market Place and the Conduit, where refurbished public toilets will be reopened. A second phase will improve the town approach from the railway station to create a pedestrian-led environment, with this work expected to start in November. The Future High Streets Fund is for designated work and can only be used on this project. While work is under way, the historic street market will occupy more of Narrow Westgate.   Image credit: Google maps