On Saturday 15 June GO Festival makes its way to Gainsborough Town Centre.
From 10am until 6pm, this free event will showcase talented performers from Gainsborough and beyond.
The community stage will return with international acts also performing in the Market Place and Elswitha Green that you won’t want to miss.
West Lindsey District Council have announced a new addition to this year’s festival, thanks to the award by Arts Council England of £30,000 from National Lottery Project Grants. This funding will enable a series of school and community workshops with professional artists and performers to contribute to a spectacular carnival parade as part of the event.
The town centre will host a fantastically colourful and dynamic Caribbean-inspired carnival procession interwoven with more local themes, inspired by English folklore and nature.
Chairman of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Stephen Bunney, expressed his excitement that the event is returning. He said: “I’m thrilled that this event is making a returning this summer as we know how much the public loved last year’s. GO Festival will be a great opportunity to witness outstanding performances from local, national and international artists.
“We’re also extremely pleased to be able to grow the event and the opportunities for people to take part, thanks to the funding from Arts Council. Pencil the date down in your diary as you will not want to miss this fun and free event.”
Working in collaboration with SO Festival in Skegness, the event is delivering a programme of international artists that showcase amazing theatre, dance and arts.
Food, drinks and much more will be available for the public to purchase throughout the day.
This event will be made possible by funding from West Lindsey District Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Arts Council England, and Gainsborough Town Council.
Horncastle Hotshots score with funding to reignite netball passion in the town
Netball has grown in the UK over recent years and more women than ever are getting involved in the sport. JB’s Sports Coaching wanted to bring the sport to one of the most rural locations in the county in the hope for it to build friendships, develop confidence and make people feel like a part of a team.
Horncastle has limited options when it comes to community facilities and JB’s identified that women in the town had fewer opportunities to be active, often feeling excluded from participating in community provisions which led them to feel isolated, lonely, anxious and poor mental health.
Therefore, the Horncastle Hotshots was created.
Thanks to Sport England’s Together Fund, distributed by Active Lincolnshire, JB’s Sports Coaching were able to deliver 20 sessions on a Monday night, to two age groups. 66 women and girls participated across the sessions, with 34 being 11–16-year-olds and 32, 17 years and over.
Removing barriers for women to attend is a priority for JB’s, to ensure that everyone can attend, get active and reap the health benefits. They decided to run the sessions at the same time as the children’s football sessions at the same location, so that childcare was not a barrier.
One participant noted: “My main challenges were childcare. I was able to take part in this as my daughter took part in the under 17’s netball at the same time and my other daughter was able to sit and watch.” This was a huge success of the project seeing so many mothers and daughters play together, and the mums not just stood at the sidelines watching.
One of the participants said: “It’s great to have something for mums in Horncastle. Toni has made the sessions sociable and inclusive, I really enjoy them.”
Three coaches have now been trained thanks to the funding, all receiving their Netball Level 1 qualification which means that the sessions are continuing in the future. This has also developed the coaches’ self-esteem and confidence.
Toni McHamilton, coach at the sessions, says: “It’s been great to have so many adults and young people getting involved in our netball services. Though there has been an element of competitiveness, it’s been great to see people coming along and enjoying the sessions. Meeting new people, becoming more confident in themselves and their own ability and actually improving their netball skills too!”
Despite a few issues with venues, JB’s were determined to deliver the project realising that to get more people active, it is not about the venue, but about keeping it safe to play, and remaining consistent in the delivery.
England Netball’s Lincolnshire Development Officer, Louise Key, has since been working with the Hotshots to ensure sustainability of the team, with the hope that partnership and support continues within the county for the sport.
Graves Park Social Club fundraiser for local air ambulance
A huge thanks has been given to everyone at Graves Park Social Club for raising an incredible £2,000 towards the work of Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance.
The donation will help keep Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance’s helicopter in the sky and critical care cars on the road, bringing emergency care to people when they need it most.
Volunteer, Eddie King went to a recent social night to accept the donation from Club Chairman, John Clubb and Quiz Master Dave Toynton. He said: “It was nice to see so many people having an enjoyable evening while raising vital funds for such a vital cause.”
The club raised the money from quiz nights, bingo cards and a red and black night throughout 2023.
Burghley Game & Country Fair returns this May
It’s Country Fair time at Burghley Estate. This popular event returns to the Showground on Sunday & Monday May 26th/27th.
The show boasts a dynamic programme of entertainment in its two main arenas, 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.
Bob Hogg with his sheepdog and ducks provide some light hearted entertainment, whilst Aubrey Ladyman the newly crowned Kennel Club Spaniel Champion and Bella his Springer Spaniel will be demonstrating some of the serious aspects of working gundogs. He is joined by Paul Makepeace and Charlotte Brown from the gundog clinic.
The newcomers are complemented with all the old favourites, Horse Boarding, Scurry Racing, Falconry and various dog displays – 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, scurries and working test to work out training difficulties or the Fly-Casting arenas to name just a few.
After all the activities, take some time out to relax in the various food courts listening to live jazz, taste great street food and take home your favourite nibbles from the Food Halls.
There are of course all the old favourites, a Craft village, Country Sports exhibitors & Traders and lots of country sports to ‘Have a Go’ at.
Airguns, Archery and Paintball in the Shooting Village, Fishing, and a wide range of dog competitions. With gundog scurries, Lurcher racing and shows on both days, with Whippets joining on the Sunday, and a Fun Dog Show for the family pooch.
So don’t leave your dog at home, bring them along and join in.
Full details can be found at www.livingheritagecountryshows.com/tickets
An early May bank holiday treat: Sandringham Food, Craft and Wood Festival
What a Chefs line up the returning Sandringham Food, Craft & Wood Festival has this early May Bank Holiday.
Saturday brings together Rosemary Shrager and Phil Vickery, Sunday presents Sat Bains and Francesco Mattena, whilst Monday sees local favourite Galton Blackiston team up with Jean-Christophe Novelli. Ben Bartlett the BBQ specialist will be joining the Chefs on a daily basis.
One of the highlights of the Wood Fair are the Chainsaw carvers taking part in the 17th English Open Chainsaw Carving Competition. The overseas carvers are beginning to travel again giving an entry of over twenty top quality carvers. Join us in admiring the skill and creativity of chainsaw artists traveling from around the world! From the USA to Germany, Finland, Canada and the Netherlands, their talent knows no borders. Don’t miss this global showcase of Artistry! This year introducing Kamron Garbe traveling in from Armstrong, British Columbia, Canada, just 4,350 miles as the crow flies.
They will be competing in the Classic Competition, a 2.1/2 day carve that produces some stunning sculptures. Alongside this is a twice daily 30 minute speed carve with everything to be sold by auction. Finally for your entertainment especially from the States is Mountain Mikes Carving Show which promises to be something special.
Up to now we have touched on just two elements of the Fair, but there is such a lot more, including a very large Craft Fair and Food Festival. Moving around the show we come to the Craft & Wood exhibitors, demonstrators and competitors. There’s nationally selected Artists, Designers and Craftsmen demonstrating and selling their crafts and skills in the main Craft Pavilions.
Into the Food Halls where you will find a large array of food and drink for your appreciation from local, regional and national producers.
One of the new exhibitors this year has a foot in each camp, Craft and Food, with his unique wares from his Orchard in Cambridgeshire. Trinity Apple Marc Spirit is crafted from the heritage apple varieties grown at the orchard and then housed in an Applewood flask or small item of furniture.
The Piazza is the central hub of the festival, that special area where show visitors come together to eat and drink, whilst soaking up the atmosphere and relaxing to live jazz and folk music. There is a large range of Street Food on offer from many different cultures and an equally wide range of beverages to quench your thirst, so do come along hungry and enjoy!
We look forward to seeing you at the Sandringham Food, Craft and Wood Festival. Saturday, Sunday and Monday May 4th, 5th & 6th.
Entry at the event or book your tickets in advance, online at www.livingheritagecountryshows.com/tickets or ring 01283 820548
Why is it important for schools to have a clear approach to the use of AI?
Academic Director at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, Kevin Oldershaw, shares why it is important for schools to have a clear approach to the use of AI.
Artificial Intelligence is here to stay. Schools cannot afford to ignore it and, indeed, are doing students a disservice if they do not properly discuss and agree their fundamental approach to its use. As such, it is important to write an AI policy – there are many samples and templates out there to borrow from – though of course the school needs to first decide just how much they wish to embrace the potential of AI.
At QE, our approach has very much been to see AI as a tool to enhance and support learners and teachers. Why wouldnt we? It is already so embedded in daily life in different forms, whether it be driverless cars, facial recognition or suggested viewing on streaming platforms, that to not make use of it seems counterintuitive. Not only this, but as AI is increasingly being utilised in a range of careers including early diagnoses of medical conditions, analysing market trends or making hiring decisions, we feel obligated to increase student exposure to the potential of AI. They will be entering a very different employment landscape to even 10 years ago and we owe it to them to prepare them as best we can for their futures – isnt that our fundamental purpose as educators?
So, given this approach, we wrote a policy (helped by an AI model of course – they are good for that!) outlining to staff not only how AI can be used by teachers, leaders and support staff but how this must be done in a responsible way, considering issues around ethics, data privacy and bias. This is the same message that was then repeated to students in a series of assemblies in September, delivered in an age-appropriate way and reflecting the different safeguarding guidelines for those under 13, those from 13 to 18, and those over 18. There has been an emphasis with all students under 18 to use AI models that do not require a log in and to ensure they appreciate they should not be entering personal identifiable information into any website, including an AI model, if they do not know how it will be used. For the younger students, the approach has very much been to work with their teachers in lessons using AI as a class, but for the older ones, the focus is on encouraging them to experiment with how it can help them, in a controlled and managed environment.
As we have moved through the year, as we, other educators and governing bodies began to get to grips with how AI can and is being used by staff and students, and various guidance began to be published and updated, we produced our own documentation for students helping them to better understand when it is, and isn’t, acceptable to use AI in their education, how to appropriately reference the use of AI in coursework, and how to work closely with their teachers to learn the best strategies.
Further work was done with teachers on how to use AI most effectively, ensuring the use was conversational, crafting the most effective prompts and then building on these to train the AI model exactly what you need from it. As teachers, used to clearly articulating to students what we want them to do, observing their responses and then amending our instructions and guidance, we are ideally placed to be able to train AI models in the same way! Our academic staff have been able to opt into a range of CPD training sessions, learning how to model AI best practice in the classroom, how to use AI to personalise their teaching, provide feedback to students and how they can help tackle intense workloads to increase their contact time with students.
Appreciating the importance of the need to keep up to date with this rapidly developing area and to ensure that AI is seen as a tool for people to use, not to fear, we created and recruited to a new role Head of Cognitive Science and Digital Literacy. As an experienced teacher within Creative Media and enthusiastic user of technology, Jason Sharma-Pay is ideally placed to not only help us further develop our digital strategy but to better understand how human creativity, empathy, emotional intelligence and capacity for critical thought can ensure artificial intelligence enhances teaching, learning and student outcomes.
Lincolnshire Fostering Service honours remarkable foster carers at annual celebration
Lincolnshire Fostering Service has announced its upcoming annual Foster Carer Celebration event, set to take place near Grantham on 19th April. This special occasion honours the outstanding dedication and commitment of foster carers across Lincolnshire and celebrates their invaluable contributions to the lives of local children.
The ceremony features the presentation of awards to over 50 foster carers, recognising long-standing service and special achievements. This year’s event promises to be particularly poignant as one extraordinary couple, Mr. Robert Isdale (81) and Mrs. Margaret Isdale (80), will be honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Isdales’ are a remarkable couple who have dedicated an astounding 44 years to fostering local children. Having provided nurturing care to over a hundred babies and young children, their selfless commitment exemplifies the true spirit of foster caregiving.
“We are honoured to host this annual celebration, recognising the tireless efforts of our foster carers and the profound difference they make in the lives of vulnerable children,” said Deborah Crawford, Head of Lincolnshire Fostering Service.
“It is a joyous occasion to come together as a community and celebrate these extraordinary individuals who exemplify compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Our heartfelt thanks to this remarkable group of people.”
Lincolnshire Fostering Service is dedicated to providing safe, nurturing homes for children in need of foster care. Through recruitment, training, and ongoing support of numerous foster carers throughout the county, the service aims to ensure that every child in Lincolnshire has the opportunity to thrive in a loving and stable home environment.
If you have been thinking about becoming a foster carer, contact the friendly team at fostering@lincolnshire.gov.uk to attend an online information event.
Shops ordered to close after illegal tobacco and vape sales
Six shops in Boston, two in Spalding and one shop in Holbeach have been issued with three-month closure orders by Lincolnshire Trading Standards and Lincolnshire Police.
Last week, officers visited premises where illegal tobacco and vape products were sold. Court orders were then granted under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, at:
- Nasza Biedronka, Spalding
- Easy Shop, Spalding
- Holbeach Market, High Street, Holbeach
- The Fruit Shop, Biedronka, and Mini Market all on the High Street in Boston
- Kubus on Red Lion Street in Boston
- Europa on Fydell Street in Boston
- Balkans Mini Market on West Street in Boston
Lincolnshire opens world’s first memorial dedicated to Polish air crews of WW2
The world’s first Heritage Centre dedicated to WW2’s Polish aircrews has opened at RAF Ingham after 14 years of effort by a team of devoted volunteers.
They have transformed an old farm storage building, formerly the wartime Airmen’s Mess, into a wonderful and fitting location to tell an almost forgotten story.
The Centre is dedicated to remembering and celebrating (through their own personal stories) the remarkable lives and memories of the men and women (both ground and air crews) of the Polish Air Force Bomber Squadrons, who lived, worked and flew alongside the RAF during the Second World War; and will also tell the humanitarian story of their struggles to settle and integrate into ‘post-war’ Britain, whilst retaining their customs, culture and Polish heritage.
RAF Ingham (later known as RAF Cammeringham) was a Royal Air Force station used by RAF Bomber Command between 1942 and 1944 and by training units and the Polish Air Force until 1946.
The first squadron to be based at RAF Ingham was No.300 Polish Bomber Sqn who arrived in May 1942 from RAF Hemswell. They stayed until Jan 1943, when they returned to Hemswell. The next month saw the arrival of No.199 Sqn, who themselves only stayed until Jun 1943. Within a week, No.300 Sqn returned, bringing with them No.305 Polish Bomber Sqn, as the they were constructing concrete runways at Hemswell. No.305 Sqn only stayed through the summer, before leaving to join Second Tactical Air Force (2TAF) in Sep. This left No.300 Sqn as the sole custodians of RAF Ingham, before they also departed for a final time, to RAF Faldingworth in Mar 1944.
At the end of hostilities, many Polish servicemen and women chose not to return to the now communist governed Poland and decided to remain in Britain, making it their new home, under the Polish Resettlement Act of 1947. Formed in 1946 the Polish Resettlement Corps (PRC) provided Polish personnel with a trade and language lessons, for integration into British society. Polish Resettlement Units (PRU) were created to accommodate these personnel and their families.
RAF Cammeringham had a PRU, which was built on a former RAF accommodation site, at the southern edge of Ingham Village. Nissen Huts were internally designed to create basic yet austere family dwellings.
In 2023, RAF Ingham’s team of volunteers were one of the first groups to be awarded the new King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.
Chairman of RAF Ingham Heritage Centre Geoff Burton said: “After so many years of hard work and dedication by our wonderful team of volunteers, we are finally able to open the Centre to the public.
“This project is globally unique, and tells the story of the Polish Bomber Squadrons who fought alongside the RAF during the Second World War; but we also remember the almost forgotten history of a small Lincolnshire airfield RAF Ingham, that only ever existed through the war years.
“We expect to welcome visitors from not only the local area, but regionally and nationally as well; and due to the global uniqueness of the Centre, we anticipate attracting international visitors from Poland, America, Canada and Australia. This in turn will greatly support and benefit the local and Counties economy. “
The Main Exhibition Centre comprises of two wings, covering over 4602m of exhibition space; an atmospheric Polish Families Nissen Hut; a Mini-Cinema, Shop and Toilets. Around the Site there is also a Memorial Garden, the Remembrance Garden, Volunteer Workshop, Nissen Hut Vegetable Garden, and not forgetting their ‘Airmen’s Rest’ Cafe and Picnic Area.
The site also benefits from free parking and same-level access in almost all areas. Guided tours and group bookings are available by prior arrangement (dependent on staff availability). The entire exhibition is bi-lingual (Polish and English).
The Centre will formally open to the public for their first open weekend on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 April 2024, 10am to 3pm.
Normal Opening times will be from Saturday 20 April:
- Thursday, 10am to 3pm
- Saturday, 10am to 3pm
- Sunday, 10am to 3pm
Equestrians invited to free, charity led welfare awareness events
Following on from the amazing success of last year’s events Bransby Horses are once again hosting a series of talks for horse owners covering the latest equine management topics, such as track systems and alternative grazing set-ups.
These events are completely free and aimed at horse owners, equestrian business owners and land proprietors.
Bransby Horses has been rescuing and caring for equines in need for over 50 years and their Make a Difference events offer an opportunity for anyone who is interested to hear from the charity’s experienced teams, as part of their ongoing mission to positively impact the lives of equines.
Events organiser Rachel Dixon said: “We started these events last year and they were really popular, so we thought we’d do another series. For anyone who attended last year, we have new material and guest speakers so please come along, as we have a wealth of useful information we would love to share with you.
“A highlight will be at the talk in April when our guest speaker is Dr Tamzin Furtado who will be hosting her Alternative Grazing talk. Dr Furtado is a social scientist from the University of Liverpool, specialising in equine welfare and human behaviour change.
“Dr Furtado recently completed a PhD in managing obesity in horses, where she focused on the welfare of the horse and their relationship with humans. We are really lucky to have her visit us at Bransby Horses and can’t wait to hear her talk.”
Alternative Grazing Systems takes place on Thursday, April 25 at 6.30pm, Grassland Management on Wednesday, July 17 at 11am, and Equine Identification and Registration on Thursday, September 5 at 6.30pm.
All events are free to attend and will be held in the Clifford Marshall Building at Bransby Horses in Bransby near Lincoln.
Booking is essential, light refreshments and free parking will be available.
For more information or to reserve your free space, please call 01427 788 464 or visit BransbyHorses.co.uk/MADE
Image shows Tamzin Furtado
The Shire Veterinary Services – treating pets from the comfort of home
We are a team of veterinary professionals based in North Lincolnshire, providing mobile veterinary services exclusively for cats and dogs. Our small, independent practice is family owned and run, and our vets are very knowledgeable and passionate about their work.
Our experienced team brings their expertise to you, and treat your pets in the safety of their own environment. We strive to offer a stress free experience during our visits, and we, also, tailor the consult time to suit your needs and those of your pet.
It is now possible to receive a high quality, personalized and empathetic service from the comfort of your home. Contact us on 01652 250225 to register or visit our website www.theshirevets.co.uk for more information.
£3m secured to reignite Caistor’s 2-4 Market Place regeneration project
Caistor and District Community Trust (CDCT) has now secured total funding of £3million to see the long-awaited 2-4 Market Place renovation project begin in earnest.
Having been successfully awarded an increased Community Ownership Fund Levelling-Up grant of £500,000, and satisfied its key funder, the National Lottery Heritage Fund with a revised scope of works, it’s full steam ahead for this project* which promises to continue the reawakening of the Wold-edge market town of Caistor.
Working with the agreed principal contractor for the project, Messenger – part of the BCR Group, and the team who recently undertook and completed the cutting-edge conservation work at Lincoln Medieval Bishops’ Palace – Greenwood Projects – the firm that has supported 2-4 Market Place from day one with Graham Tait Project Managing – and AnotherKind Architects, CDCT is excited to officially get the renovations underway, as Neil Castle, company secretary of the Trust, explains.
“To say we’re are delighted to now have the funding to bring these buildings back to life, share their heritage and make them accessible for everyone in the process is an understatement,” said Neil.
“Our mission, not only with 2-4 Market Place but certainly with this project acting as a catalyst, is to improve the economic sustainability of our historic market town,” added Neil.
“Caistor has seen a recent boom in businesses, both up-scaling and taking up vacant units, so to be able to further add to this enterprise by providing opportunities for community activities, social space and to help bring additional tourism to the town is incredibly important to us as a Trust.
“The diverse and vibrant mixed-use development scheme will include the repair and conservation of the complex of historic buildings, transforming 2-4 Market Place into a space the whole community can be proud of and embrace as their own.”
Having been vacant for several years, and being noted on the buildings ‘at risk’ register as needing immediate attention, this funding comes at a vital time.
The restored buildings, in their full glory, will create spaces for retail units which could include a restaurant/cafe, a community space for functions, exhibitions and other community activities, self-catering holiday lets, spaces that can be used as offices or arts-and-crafts business units, storage for local archival materials and a space for the Trust to work from.
With a revised plan now in place, prioritising the completion of the market square facing shopfronts of 2, 3 and 4 Market Place, the community room above number 4, two holiday lets above numbers 2 and 3, the new core service building and the restored courtyard, the continued collaboration between the Trust and its valued partners will support the aim to get work started by early May.
*Subject to the required paperwork being in place.
Bransby Horses celebrate prestigious VisitEngland award nominations
Bransby Horses have achieved a huge 95 per cent in their recent VisitEngland assessment – with 100 per cent awarded specifically for the Visitor Centre and customer service, the on-site retail experience and the pre-visit online information.
Special mentions were given to the accessibility awareness work and installation of signage depicting the charity’s history, as well as an informative and interactive trail on horse welfare.
On the back of this assessment the charity has been nominated for the prestigious VisitEngland Gold award, plus Best Welcome, Hidden Gem, Quality Food and Drink and Best Told Story accolades.
It is the first year Bransby Horses has been put forward for all of the accolades VisitEngland awards, which is a big achievement.
One of the VisitEngland assessors said: “Visitors are greeted by friendly staff who exude genuine warmth and passion for their work. The arrival experience at Bransby Horses leaves a lasting impression of friendliness and dedication to the welfare of the equines.
“The commitment to animal welfare is evident in the meticulous care provided to the animals throughout the sanctuary, which ensures their physical and emotional well-being. The facilities looked well-maintained, with spacious paddocks and clean, comfortable stables.
“Bransby Horses is a shining example of compassionate animal care and a must-visit destination for anyone who loves animals, nature and walking.”
Bransby Horses takes great care in providing an excellent visitor experience which aims to improve people’s understanding of the importance of equine welfare.
Bransby Horses’ Visitor and Commercial Operations Manager, Holly Hart said: “A big thanks and congratulations to all involved, it’s such a big team effort across the charity. A special well done for the Catering and Engagement Teams, we are very proud of you all.”
The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence celebrate the nation’s leading tourism and visitor-focused businesses – from small bed and breakfasts to large attractions and business events venues.
The winners will be announced later in the year.
To find out more about Bransby Horses and the work they do visit www.BransbyHorses.co.uk
Funding secured for Grantham play area improvements
A Grantham play area will be refurbished thanks to a £100,000 grant provided by the FCC Communities Foundation.
The Beeden Park play area near Beechcroft Road in Grantham will benefit from upgrades totalling £127,000 including additional funding of £5,000 from the Rotary Club of Grantham.
The overall figure also includes £22,000 of investment by South Kesteven District Council to improve the facilities at the park.
A spokesperson for the Council said: “Green spaces and play areas are really important for our community and make a huge difference to the wellbeing of those living in the area.
“We are delighted that the FCC Communities Foundation has awarded us the money to improve the facilities at Beeden Park.”
Following the successful grant, details of the improvement work will be decided by the Council in partnership with the FCC Communities Foundation.
FCC Communities Foundation is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community projects through the Landfill Communities Fund.
Penny Horne, FCC Communities Foundation Grant Manager, says: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Grantham – Beeden Park Play Area Refurbishment project and pleased our funding will provide such a fantastic facility for children and young families across Grantham.
“FCC Communities Foundation is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that make a difference to local communities and we’re really looking forward to seeing this one take shape soon.”
Picture credit: Stock.adobe.com/o_lypa
Summer arts and culture festival returns to Gainsborough
Classic Ibiza track poll winners announced
With plans now in full swing for Classic Ibiza’s return to Burghley House on Saturday 27 July, over Easter the show’s 55,000 social media followers had the opportunity to choose five tracks to be performed live by Urban Soul Orchestra as part of the five hour celebration of Balearic-infused house music.
Over 5,000 votes were cast and the most popular tracks, selected from a shortlist of 10, are: Anthem (N-Joi), Dirty Cash (Money Talks) (Adventures of Stevie V, Todd Terry), Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless) (Crystal Walters), Space Cowboy (Jamiroquai, David Morales) and U Sure Do (Strike).
These tracks will join 11 other new orchestrations in a set of 40 house classics being reinvented by Urban Soul Orchestra on the evening.
Classic Ibiza’s Lisa Ward says: “These are all anthemic house tracks, with iconic vocals that lend themselves perfectly to that special Urban Soul Orchestra treatment. They also provide those spine-tingling, sing-along moments, which is part of what makes the Classic Ibiza experience so special.”
In addition to 16 new tracks this summer, the set being performed by Stephen Hussey’s Urban Soul Orchestra includes some firm Classic Ibiza favourites – some of which haven’t been performed for a number of years.
Lisa Ward adds: “Next year will mark 10 years of Classic Ibiza, so incredibly we’ve accumulated a repertoire of over 130 tracks to choose from. We love freshening things up every year, but there are some tracks, shout out for Insomnia, that have become such firm crowd favourites.
“There are also other absolute classics that we haven’t played for a while, and some of these will once again be making an appearance. I know our incredible Burghley crowd is going to love what we have in store for them.”
The general rule at Classic Ibiza is that the BPM goes up as the sun goes down. The evening starts at 5.30pm with a vibe straight from one of Ibiza’s iconic beachside bars, before building to a magical alfresco nightclub by the time the concert finishes at 11pm.
Headlining the event is Urban Soul Orchestra, known for working alongside dance music greats like Groove Armada, Robert Miles and Nightmares On Wax. They’ll be delving into house music’s rich catalogue with DJ Goldierocks, reinventing the most iconic tracks from the last 30 years. Along the way, highlights include a DJ set by former Pacha Ibiza resident Jose Luis and an awe-inspiring laser and light show.
Classic Ibiza at Burghley House is already at 70% capacity, so get your tickets now if you don’t want to miss what promises to be a night to remember. The show is proud to be supporting East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. Visit classicibiza.co.uk for tickets and more information.
Image credit: David Evans Photography
Lincolnshire salt marshes put under the microscope in nationwide research project
Two Lincolnshire salt marshes are to be monitored by the Environment Agency as part of a new UK-wide research project.
The new project will see the installation of flux towers on saltmarshes at RSPB Freiston Shore nature reserve on The Wash near Boston. One tower will be on a natural saltmarsh and the other will be on a restored saltmarsh, this project is in partnership with the RSPB.
The EA has worked in partnership with the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology to purchase and install four flux towers on saltmarshes across England. This has been funded by the Defra marine Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (mNCEA) programme.
Saltmarshes are important ecosystems that provide many valuable services, including habitat for a wide range of creatures. They also act as natural flood defences and help to capture CO2 from the atmosphere to store it in sediments. It is estimated that 85% of UK saltmarsh has been lost since the mid-19th Century.
However, although we know these ecosystems are valuable, there is a lack of data on how saltmarshes capture and store carbon. The towers in Lincolnshire will provide long-term, real-time, data that can help our understanding of how saltmarshes function as carbon sinks now and in the future. Similar towers have previously been used on other types of habitats such as forests and peat bogs. Networks of these towers have provided vital data which has helped to encourage restoration and investment in these ecosystems.
The Environment Agency and UKCEH scientists, in partnership with the Essex Wildlife Trust, have installed another tower in Essex. A further tower will be added in the future. two other towers were installed last year in the Ribble Estuary by Natural England and WWF. In total, these six towers will provide the first in depth look into greenhouse gas storage and emissions in saltmarshes in England. Once the value of these ecosystems has been quantified, we hope this will lead to increased conservation and restoration of saltmarshes.
Dr Ben Green from the Environment Agency said: “These flux towers will improve our understanding of the ability of saltmarsh habitats to sequester carbon across tides, days, seasons and years.
“The evidence they will provide will be key to support the further restoration of saltmarshes, and for the inclusion of these habitats on the UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory”.
Dr Ross Morrison, Biometeorologist at UKCEH, added: “Thanks to our new network of coastal flux towers, we’ll provide the first directly measured carbon budgets for a range of different saltmarsh systems across the country by the end of this year, improving our knowledge on how they might help us transition towards our net zero goals. Equally, the flux towers will help us understand how the processes in coastal environments function today, and how things may change into the future.”
UKCEH is leading a consortium across charity, finance and academic sectors to develop and pilot a UK Saltmarsh Carbon Code. This rigorous and scientifically-based voluntary certification standard will enable saltmarsh carbon to be confidently purchased, thus providing an income stream for restoration projects and supporting the achievement of national Net Zero goals.
Toby Collett from the RSPB, said: “The Wash estuary and the saltmarshes here are globally important for wildlife, but they are also vital for our way of life, whether that’s fishing, protecting communities from flooding or storing carbon.
“We’re really excited that Freiston Shore is being used to understand more about these superpower habitats, and hope that this will lead to further protection and restoration efforts for saltmarshes across the UK.”
Glory Hole repairs complete at last
Works to repair the historic public right of way at Lincoln’s Glory Hole are now finished, signalling the end of a tough project on a public right of way alongside a river and associated with thinly bridge in the UK still to have shops on it.
Cllr Richard Davies, Lincolnshire County Council’s executive member for highways, said: “I’m really glad to announce that our improvements to Lincoln’s Glory Hole are now fully complete – meaning that the footway is back open as usual.
“Getting to this point has been a long, arduous process for everyone involved, simply because of the nature of Glory Hole and where it sits. Being a hard-to-reach, historic public right of way – on the bank of a live and very active riverway that’s also attached to a Grade II listed building – has proven incredibly challenging.
“Throughout this process, we’ve had to deal with several external agencies and had to overcome difficult access on site which led to the team having to be innovative with the design solution to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
“We got there in the end, so I want to thank everyone affected for their patience while we dealt with this unique and challenging repair project, right in the heart of Lincoln.”
Home Office action silences local protests over RAF Scampton
West Lindsey District Council has today withdrawn its Enforcement Notice at RAF Scampton after the Home Office confirmed it had laid a Special Development Order in Parliament, effectively silencing communities around the site.
The order grants temporary planning permission for the site to be used for asylum accommodation which means the Council has no planning grounds against which to take enforcement action.
Cllr Trevor Young Leader of West Lindsey District Council said: “The Home Office has laid the SDO in Parliament, the Council has been clear from the outset that the use of an SDO excludes the voice of our communities from being heard. We know this is incredibly important for our communities and we are committed to continuing to do all we can to represent their views and to protect the £300million investment plan, which we still believe is the right way forward.”
Sally Grindrod-Smith, West Lindsey’s Director of Planning, Regeneration and Communities, said: “There are a significant number of conditions associated with the SDO, which the Home Office has to attend to before the site can go live. We as a Council will be monitoring closely these conditions and seeking assurance from the Government of its compliance.”
The Home Office had already confirmed it was reducing the number of people to be on site from 2,000 to 800 with the option to increase the number of people by 300, if there was a higher-than-expected demand for spaces.
The SDO is expected to be in place by 11 April – just days before the Home Office’s current Class Q (emergency planning powers) were due to expire.
The Council has informed the Planning Inspectorate of the withdrawal, and confirmation has now been received that the Planning Inquiry scheduled for 16th and 17th April has been cancelled.
Sally added: “The Council continues to work hard to use the tools at our disposal to protect our communities and the long-term plans for investment into former RAF Scampton. This is a rapidly changing position and further updates will be provided in due course.”
The perfect family-friendly Sunday: Countryside Lincs 2024
Returning to the Lincolnshire Showground this year on Sunday 14th April, 10am – 4pm.
Hosted by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society whose objectives are to educate the County about food, farming, and a sustainable environment, Countryside Lincs does just that with an action-packed day filled with interactive learning experiences, exciting displays, and demonstrations. This memorable and immersive day is a great opportunity to get the whole family together, get outside and celebrate the arrival of spring.
With a wonderful variety of activities and attractions, there really is something for everyone; whether it’s a walk with an alpaca, taking a tractor and trailer ride around the Showground, taking part in a spot of archery, learning some circus skills, or meeting your favourite farmyard animals in the petting zone!
If flowers are more your thing head over to the Floral Art & Design Zone to marvel at the blooming brilliant displays. New for 2024 is a collaboration with the North Midlands Area of the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS), who are hosting their Area Show – the theme is ‘JOY – Celebrating the joy that flowers bring’.
Rosie Crust, Head of Charity, says: “Countryside Lincs 2024 promises to be an exciting and unforgettable event. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the arrival of spring, and to enjoy some fantastic family fun; exploring food, farming, and the countryside.”
The Sheep Show returns, this is a must see for all the family! Meet Nobby the Norfolk Horn, Susie the Southdown, and their friends all whilst discovering and learning more about different breeds of sheep and wool with shearing demonstrations.
Countryside Lincs is open from 10am to 4pm. Advanced tickets are on sale for £32 for a family of five, £11 per adult, £6 per child (aged 5 -16) and under 5’s go free! Booking fees apply. Once in the event, the majority of activities are free. Parking at Lincolnshire Showground is free.
Spread the word #CountrysideLincs24 https://lincolnshireshowground.co.uk/countryside-lincs
British Steel waits for North Lincolnshire to follow Teesside’s lead with electric arc furnace permission
With Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council having just granted permission for British Steel to build an Electric Arc Furnace at its Teesside plant the company is now eagerly awaiting a similar approval for the Scunthorpe site from North Lincolnshire Council.
The manufacturer’s £1.25bn proposed transformation – its biggest in more than a century of steelmaking – is subject to appropriate support from the UK Government.
British Steel President and CEO Xijun Cao said: “We’re delighted to have received planning permission to build an Electric Arc Furnace at our Teesside site, and thank everyone who has supported our proposals to bring steelmaking back to the region.
“The proposed installation of EAFs in Scunthorpe and Teesside is central to our journey to a green future as they would help us reduce emissions of CO2 by more than 75 per cent. However, it is crucial we now secure the backing of the UK Government.
“Our owner, Jingye, is committed to the unprecedented investment decarbonisation requires and our desire to dramatically reduce our carbon footprint, coupled with challenging market conditions, means it is imperative swift and decisive action is taken to ensure a sustainable future for British Steel.
“We started talks with the UK Government in 2022 about the timely support we require on our journey to net zero, including the need for the British government to adopt the correct policies and frameworks now to back our drive to become a clean, green, and successful company. We are committed to working with the UK Government and need to reach an agreement quickly so we can achieve our ambitious goals, secure thousands of jobs and keep making the steel Britain needs for generations to come.”
Significant preparation works, including environmental and technical studies, and equipment selection, are underway to ensure the company’s ambitious proposals can be delivered at the earliest opportunity while discussions with the UK Government continue.
Both proposed EAFs would replace the aging iron and steelmaking operations at British Steel’s Scunthorpe site which are responsible for the vast majority of its CO2 emissions. The company proposes maintaining current operations until a transition to electric arc steelmaking.
British Steel has started preliminary talks with trade unions about electrification, and has promised to support employees affected by its decarbonisation plans.
Xijun said: “We are confident our proposals will help secure the low-embedded carbon steelmaking the UK requires now and for decades to come.”
