British strawberries set to be sweeter and arrive earlier this summer

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British strawberries set to be sweeter and arrive earlier this summer

British strawberries are expected to be sweeter, juicier, and more flavourful this summer, with the first harvests arriving on shelves earlier than usual. A combination of unusually sunny spring weather and increased bee activity during the flowering period has created ideal growing conditions for this year’s crop.

The warm days and cooler nights earlier in the year, part of a weather pattern that saw some of the highest sunshine levels recorded in a century, have contributed to higher natural sugar levels and better-shaped fruit. According to British Berry Growers, who represent the majority of UK berry producers, these conditions have not only improved the flavour but also brought the season forward by about a week.

The early and strong start to the strawberry season is also a positive sign for growers. Consistent yields and high-quality fruit are enabling farms to meet demand, manage operations efficiently, and foster long-term sustainability.

With the season underway, British strawberries are set to become a summer highlight, perfect for garden gatherings, desserts, or simply enjoyed on their own.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Tim UR

Baby banks report rising demand as working families feel pressure

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Baby banks report rising demand as working families feel pressure

A growing number of families in Lincolnshire are relying on baby banks for essential supplies as the cost-of-living crisis continues to mount. Local services in areas such as Market Rasen, Horncastle, and Grimsby are experiencing higher demand, with some anticipating a further increase during the summer school holidays.

According to the Baby Bank Alliance’s latest survey, 220,000 families across the UK accessed baby banks in 2024, up from 163,000 in 2023. Over 3.5 million items such as nappies, clothing, and cots were distributed last year, a 143% year-on-year rise.

The Market Rasen Baby Bank, which launched less than two years ago, reported that usage has quadrupled in just six months, with 76 families now regularly using the service across the town and surrounding villages.

The data reflect a broader trend of financial strain among working households, where both parents are often employed but still struggle to meet their monthly expenses. Rising nursery fees, up 10% on average following recent changes to employer taxation, have added to the burden, as reported by the National Day Nurseries Association.

Local businesses are helping fill the gap with donations, but organisers warn that the financial stress facing families is unlikely to ease anytime soon.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Анастасія Стягайло

Transport funding secured for North Lincolnshire students

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Transport funding secured for North Lincolnshire students

North Lincolnshire Council has confirmed continued transport support for students in the 2025/26 academic year, allocating funding that will assist hundreds of post-16 learners travelling to schools and colleges more than three miles from home.

Mainstream students will receive a £362 travel grant per year, with additional contributions from educational institutions and families. The grant must be applied to public transport where available, but can be used for alternative options, such as private vehicles or the Wheels to Education scheme, when necessary.

For young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the council will provide tailored transport assistance, including independent travel training, personal transport budgets, and direct support where required.

This move positions North Lincolnshire as one of the more generous local authorities in the region, with an increase in transport allowances and revised policies to provide flexible options that align with varied student needs.

The funding package aims to remove barriers to education and training access while giving families more control over transport arrangements. The initiative is also intended to support long-term skills development and independence among SEND learners, aligning with broader goals to keep residents of all ages connected to education and local communities.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Jacob Lund

Alzheimer’s Society encourages Lincolnshire locals to support Forget Me Not Appeal

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Alzheimer’s Society encourages Lincolnshire locals to support Forget Me Not Appeal
The local community across Lincolnshire can show solidarity for everyone living with dementia by wearing an Alzheimer’s Society Forget Me Not badge in June. Alzheimer’s Society’s Forget Me Not Appeal will help to fund life-changing dementia support for people living with dementia today, and research that could mean a brighter future for people who may face it tomorrow. Dementia affects all of us and one in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime. Across Lincolnshire there are more than 19,500 people living with dementia. That’s why every Forget Me Not badge has its own meaning. Yours might be about your mum, dad or a dear friend. Alzheimer’s Society patron Dame Judi Dench is supporting the campaign. She said: “Every Forget Me Not badge has its own meaning. Having seen the impact of dementia first-hand, I’m sadly all too aware of how cruel and unforgiving this condition can be. Not only for the person affected, but their loved ones too. “This June, join Alzheimer’s Society and thousands of people across the country and wear your Forget Me Not – to support people living with dementia today and those who may face it tomorrow.” Where to get your Alzheimer’s Society Forget Me Not badge: alzheimers.org.uk/ForgetMeNotAppeal

Photography contest puts Lincolnshire in the frame this summer

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Photography contest puts Lincolnshire in the frame this summer

Visit Lincolnshire has launched a summer photography competition, open for entries until Sunday 21 September, encouraging people to capture the county’s standout moments and landscapes.

Participants can submit one photo in each of five themed categories: VE80 Lincolnshire, Summer Days Out, Active Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire Coast, and Nature & Landscapes. Winning images will be featured on the Visit Lincolnshire website and may be included in future marketing campaigns showcasing the region’s natural beauty and local character.

To support entrants, a series of free photography workshops will run throughout June and early July in libraries across the county, including stops in Lincoln, Skegness, Sleaford, Horncastle, and Mablethorpe. These sessions are designed to help locals sharpen their skills before submitting their shots.

The competition aims to celebrate Lincolnshire’s diverse scenery, from coastal views and woodland trails to vibrant community events, offering a platform for residents and visitors alike to share what makes the area special.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/mparratt

Farm offers fun and free day out for the whole family

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Farm offers fun and free day out for the whole family
Spalding-based Worth Farms will be one of hundreds of farms opening for Open Farm Sunday on 8th June. The gates at Worth Farms (PE12 8LW) will open from 11am-4pm, offering visitors a fascinating but fun, free family day out and a chance to ‘Discover the roots of your food’. Organised by local fresh vegetable supplier A.H. Worth and supported by other local food and farming businesses – Manor Fresh, Jack Buck Farms, Oldershaw Group and Naylors – the day will offer visitors the chance to see everything that goes into growing leeks, spinach, potatoes, salads and wheat, as well as meet the farmers behind the planting, growing and harvesting of these crops, and more.
  • Guided trailer trips around the farm to learn about growing leeks, spinach, potatoes, salads and wheat and see potato and spinach harvesters
  • Meet the animals including cattle and sheep
  • Classic tractor display
  • Kid’s play area featuring balloons, bouncy castle and pedal tractors
  • Refreshments including ice cream van and burger van
  • Stands for local charities Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance and LIVES (Saving lives in Lincolnshire)
Much-loved national initiative Open Farm Sunday is managed by charity LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) and aims to connect farmers and the public in a unique celebration of food, farming and nature.

Weekly food waste collections to begin in Lincolnshire by 2026

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Weekly food waste collections to begin in Lincolnshire by 2026

Lincolnshire is set to introduce weekly food waste collections, in line with a UK-wide rollout scheduled to begin by 30 March 2026. The change represents a significant shift in local waste management, aiming to reduce landfill use and increase recycling rates.

Each household will be provided with a five-litre indoor caddy, a year’s supply of compostable liners, and a 23-litre kerbside bin for collection. Larger communal residences will receive a 140-litre wheelie bin, with additional capacity available for households with more than six occupants.

The Lincolnshire Waste Partnership, which coordinates waste services across the county, has confirmed that Lincoln will be among the areas ready to launch the service on time. However, disparities in council resources may affect implementation timelines elsewhere.

The shift comes amid wider trials across the UK and is expected to prompt operational changes in fleet management, logistics, and supplier procurement, particularly in sourcing compliant bins and liners. Local authorities have also acknowledged that unforeseen issues may arise during rollout, potentially requiring policy adjustments after the scheme is implemented.

The move aligns with government targets to standardise waste collection and improve environmental outcomes across the country.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/tommoh29

Scunthorpe event highlights armed forces commitment

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Scunthorpe event highlights armed forces commitment

North Lincolnshire Council is set to host Armed Forces Day on Saturday 21 June at Brumby Hall Sports Ground in Scunthorpe, reinforcing its ongoing support for the armed forces community and its Gold status in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

Running from 11am to 5pm, the free public event will feature military displays, cadet parades, musical performances, and a wide range of family-friendly activities. A key highlight includes a scheduled appearance by the Red Devils parachute team. The programme also features field demonstrations by army cadets, live music, and interactive exhibitions.

Beyond its public appeal, the event reflects a broader commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, promoting engagement between local authorities and the defence community. It presents an opportunity for local businesses and employers to demonstrate their own support for veterans and service personnel.

Operational details include parking provisions, controlled entry, and restrictions on alcohol, dogs (except service animals), and bikes. The site will host various vendors and community stalls, with contingency measures in place for weather-related disruptions.

Organisations interested in participating in the parade or accessing additional information are advised to contact North Lincolnshire Council’s events team in advance.

Image source: North Lincolnshire Council

Bus improvements in North East Lincolnshire drive passenger growth

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Bus improvements in North East Lincolnshire drive passenger growth

North East Lincolnshire has been recognised as one of the most improved areas for bus services across Yorkshire and Humberside, according to the latest National Highways and Transport Network report.

The report highlights significant strides in public transport within the borough, particularly in the accessibility of information and overall service quality. Infrastructure upgrades, including an increase in bus stops, improved reliability of electronic displays, more accessible boarding, and enhanced fare systems, have contributed to the region’s improved ranking.

Passenger numbers are also rising. In the last 12 months, nearly 200,000 additional concessionary journeys were recorded. These passes, available to eligible older adults and people with disabilities, allow for free bus travel across the borough until 11 p.m.

The public transport improvements come as Grimsby town centre undergoes major regeneration, including the development of the Community Diagnostic Centre and the revamped Top Town Market. The enhanced bus services are playing a key role in increasing accessibility to these redevelopments.

This recognition builds on previous findings, positioning North East Lincolnshire’s bus services ahead of larger urban centres such as Manchester and Liverpool, demonstrating that strategic investment and local partnerships, such as with operator Stagecoach, can yield measurable service improvements and ridership gains.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/stokkete

Job-creating data centre planned for North Lincolnshire industrial estate

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Job-creating data centre planned for North Lincolnshire industrial estate
A major extension is planned for Elsham Wolds Industrial Estate.  If approved, the development would create a new data centre, bringing hundreds of new jobs, investment in the local community, and a boost to business confidence.  The application sets out proposals for a large-scale development comprising data centres, office space, energy infrastructure, and other supporting facilities across a phased development.   The total investment in the site could reach between £5.5 billion and £7.5 billion over the course of the development.  During construction, the scheme could support up to 5,100 jobs each year. Once fully operational, the site has the potential to create up to 1,200 highly skilled jobs.  Funding towards apprenticeship and training programmes is also being proposed.  Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is another positive sign of confidence in our economy and in North Lincolnshire as a place to do business.  “We welcome the application and the potential this development has to create high-quality jobs for local people. Supporting growth in our area helps to attract new businesses while giving existing ones the opportunity to expand.  “It’s further evidence that the work we are doing to enable growth and create the conditions for private investment is delivering real results and better paid jobs for our communities.”    Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council

Donate your time and make a difference to patients’ lives

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Donate your time and make a difference to patients’ lives
Do you have time on your hands? Would you like to make a difference to patients’ lives? As the country starts a week-long celebration of the UK’s 14.2 million people who volunteer monthly, why not sign up to be part of the amazing United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity and give a few hours of your time and enthusiasm and make a real difference to the lives of patients and their families and the staff that take care of them? Charity volunteers can help in so many ways and offer as much or as little time as they like. Jo Burgess, from Lincoln, volunteers once a month and runs a monthly book stall in aid of the charity at Lincoln County Hospital. She has been a patient at the hospital for a number of years and became a volunteer for the charity as she wanted to give something back to say thank you for the care she receives. She said: “As a volunteer, you get to do lots of different things. The thing I enjoy about the bookstall is meeting people, staff and patients. Having my own bookstall combines my passion of books with meeting new faces.” For nearly 30 years, the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity has been supporting staff to deliver outstanding care to patients and their families and carers at Lincolnshire hospitals, from funding high-tech equipment to investing in pioneering research, from improvements to hospitals’ environments to support for staff welfare, the charity funds those extras that the NHS cannot provide. And as the charity continues to grow, there has never been a better time to get involved. Charity manager Ben Petts explained: “We’re a small team and cannot do it alone, we need volunteers to help us spread the word about what we do. There are lots of ways you could get involved including helping out at events, updating information about our work around our hospital sites and in the community, giving talks and replenishing our collections tins.”

Biogas facility plan sparks local resistance near Sleaford

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Biogas facility plan sparks local resistance near Sleaford

Plans for a new anaerobic digestion facility in Anwick, Lincolnshire, have drawn sharp opposition from residents concerned about its proximity to homes and the potential impact on the village’s character and property values.

Stream Bioenergy has submitted a proposal to build a biogas plant on Horncastle Road, adjacent to the existing Moy Park poultry factory. The facility is designed to process up to 120,000 tonnes of chicken waste annually, converting it into biomethane for injection into the national gas grid. The site would include eight 25-metre-tall digestion tanks and associated processing infrastructure.

Although the developer states the project includes odour mitigation, noise control, and upgraded road infrastructure, many locals argue that its scale and location, just 200 metres from residential properties, would cause environmental and logistical issues. The proposal outlines a maximum of three HGV movements per hour, with a dedicated connection to Moy Park to limit traffic.

More than 600 residents have signed a petition opposing the development, citing concerns over air quality, industrialisation of the area, and non-compliance with local planning guidelines. The application is currently under public consultation and will be reviewed by Lincolnshire County Council.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Igor Link

Grantham challenges ‘boring town’ label as regeneration efforts continue

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Grantham challenges ‘boring town’ label as regeneration efforts continue

Grantham, a market town in Lincolnshire, has drawn national attention after being named one of the UK’s most “boring” towns in a recent list published by The Telegraph. The article cited a lack of standout attractions as the basis for its inclusion, claiming that while the town has basic amenities, it offers little in terms of tourism appeal beyond a statue of Margaret Thatcher and a small museum.

Despite the unfavourable media spotlight, Grantham’s business and civic communities are positioning the town in a different light. The town centre continues to benefit from regeneration efforts, including upgrades to the market square and surrounding retail infrastructure. A growing number of independent shops and cafés have emerged in recent years, contributing to a more diverse local economy.

Grantham also benefits from proximity to regional heritage sites such as Belton House and Belvoir Castle, and boasts accessible transport links to Peterborough and Stamford. Local parks like Wyndham and Dysart remain key green assets for residents and visitors alike, with ongoing efforts to maintain and promote them as part of the town’s broader liveability strategy.

While public opinion on the town’s appeal may be divided, Grantham remains a commercial and residential hub for South Kesteven and its surrounding villages.

  Picture credit: Stock.adobe.com/Seadog81

East Lindsey Community Grants Scheme opens

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East Lindsey Community Grants Scheme opens
East Lindsey District Council has made more money available to support local community groups and projects. For 2025/26, each councillor has £4,000 available to grant to local not-for-profit organisations in their wards. This has increased from £2,000 as seen in 2024/25. Councillors may decide to award this funding to one project or may choose to split it between several good causes. The scheme intends to financially support smaller projects that are easily deliverable and to be supportive of local organisations. Those wishing to apply for a grant must be a formally governed not-for-profit organisation based within the East Lindsey district. Applicants should also demonstrate that they are supporting at least one of the following: growth and prosperity, safe and resilient communities, healthy lives, the environment. The Scheme can fund capital costs for building improvements, playground equipment, IT or sports equipment, disabled facilities, energy efficiency measures and more. Additionally, Councillor Community Grants can cover revenue costs, such as salaries, rent, events costs, training fees, or general maintenance. Councillor Craig Leyland, leader of East Lindsey District Council, said: “I am delighted that the Community Grants Scheme is returning this year, with an increased allocation for all Councillors. “In the 2024/25 financial year, we supported many amazing local initiatives through grants funding, and I am certain we will be able to reach even more projects this year. We know that organisations are hard-working and are important to the local community, and with the current economic climate, it is essential that they are supported as much as possible. “I strongly encourage any eligible organisations interested in grants funding to contact their ward Councillor for more information.” The deadline for Councillors’ Community Grants Applications to be received is Saturday 28 February 2026. A project may only be funded once in a financial year (1 April to 31 March). It is also a requirement that the project is completed within 12 months of receiving the grant. For enquiries, contact community.grants@e-lindsey.gov.uk
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG

Festival of the Sea to dock in Grimsby this June

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Festival of the Sea to dock in Grimsby this June
Festival of the Sea will return to Grimsby on Saturday 21st June. Now in its fifth year, the festival has welcomed thousands of visitors to enjoy live cooking demos and water activities, celebrating the town’s rich maritime history and exploring the future. By focusing on its central theme, the Festival of the Sea aims to raise awareness and educate the public about one of our planet’s most vital yet often overlooked climate allies – the ocean, which plays a crucial role in absorbing heat and carbon on a global scale. The festival’s educational programming will explore topics such as seafood, as well as the history and future of healthy, responsible eating. The programme of activities, performances, guided walks, installations, and workshops include:
  • Seafood Crafts & Ocean Mural with TARGET NEL: Get hands-on with seafood-themed crafts while learning about different types of seafood and their nutritional benefits. Then, join in to create a big Ocean Mural filled with healthy messages.
  • “Save the Sea” with the British Divers Marine Life Rescue: marine-themed crafts and a fun competition to win cuddly sea creatures.
  • “The Sushi Stakeout” by Grubby Knees: A fast-paced, 20-minute heartfelt show packed with laughs, local flavour, and squabbling seagulls fighting over chips.
  • “Exploring the water connection” with Grimsby Tours: Join Emma Lingard for a guided walk through Grimsby’s deep-rooted connection to the sea and waterfront, past and present.
In 2025 the focus leads on making the festival more accessible and sustainable, to ensure all people of Grimsby and beyond can enjoy the day. This includes new sensory workshops: creating calm, engaging spaces for individuals who benefit from tactile and sensory-based experiences. The organisers are also working with Vehicles for Change to bring their RevoLOOtion accessible toilets to the festival. Through this collaboration it is aimed to remove barriers that often prevent disabled individuals from attending public events. The festival is supported by North East Lincolnshire Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cllr Hayden Dawkins, portfolio holder for culture, heritage and the visitor economy, said: “I am absolutely delighted that this Festival will once again provide a showcase not only for our area, but also for our local creative talent. “It will be packed with family entertainment, and is a perfect way to show how our past, great heritage can be brought into the modern day using the creativity and talent that now exists.”
  Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council

Wolds walkers stride out for hospital charity

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Wolds walkers stride out for hospital charity
Over 40 Lincolnshire ramblers put their best foot forward to complete the annual sponsored Wolds Walk 2025 and raised over £2,700 in support of Lincolnshire’s hospitals. In perfect walking conditions, the group set off from Ludford, near Market Rasen on Saturday 17 May, to complete a ten-mile circular route that weaved its way through picture postcard villages, ancient woodlands and rolling landscapes. Kelly, from Wragby, took on the Wolds Walk in memory of her father, who was admitted to Lincoln County Hospital in October 2024 suffering from sepsis. Kelly summed up what completing the walk meant to her: “My dad was in hospital for 12 days and he fought a hard and painful battle, and the medical teams did all they could to keep him alive, but sadly he caught pneumonia and he lost the fight. Doing the Wolds Walk was my way of saying thank you to our amazing medical teams and everyone who gives care to us every day of our lives within Lincolnshire’s hospitals.” For nearly 30 years United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity has been supporting staff to deliver outstanding care to patients, their families and carers, by providing those extras that cannot be provided by the NHS. In the last year it has invested nearly £1million in additional equipment, services and amenities at hospitals at Lincoln, Boston, Grantham and Louth. Staff nurse, Gill, who works on the Chemotherapy Suite at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston explained why she was eager to take part. She said: “The walk is a fantastic way to get together and meet other people, whilst also raising vital funds to improve the lives of patients at Lincolnshire hospitals. It is a lovely feeling knowing that I have helped provide funds for things that some of my patients may require, as some are here all day for treatment.” The Wolds Walk, which is now in its second year is the brainchild of Charity Manager, Ben Petts. He said: “We really cannot thank all the walkers enough for supporting the charity and raising such a fantastic amount. The walk is growing in popularity and each year more sign up to enjoy the fellowship it brings as well as the stunning landscapes that we travel through. Together with Richard Fish Adventures, we create a different route that will be achievable by as many people as possible. Even dogs are invited! “We are already planning for next year with great excitement. We will celebrate our 30th birthday in 2026 and are hoping that next year’s walk will be bigger and better than ever and raise even more funds for our vital work supporting Lincolnshire hospitals.”

New council leadership takes shape in Lincolnshire

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New council leadership takes shape in Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire County Council has appointed a new leadership team following the 23 May meeting, ushering in a significant change in direction after Reform UK secured a majority with 44 of the 70 council seats in the recent local elections.

Cllr Sean Matthews, representing Tattershall Castle, has been named council leader. He is joined by Cllr Rob Gibson of Spalding East as deputy leader. Matthews brings a background in security, having worked in royalty protection, while Gibson works in housing and homelessness support within the South Holland district.

The new executive team draws on a mix of private and public sector experience. Cllr Natalie Oliver, councillor for Woodhall Spa and Wragby, will head children’s services. She has a background in public engagement with the NHS. Cllr Steve Clegg, who represents the Sleaford division, will oversee adult care and health, building on his work as a healthcare therapist and his prior service on North Kesteven District Council.

Cllr Alex McGonigle of Louth Wolds, a former firefighter will now lead community safety. Growth falls under the remit of Cllr Liam Kelly from Swallow Beck and Witham, a former Army officer who has worked in global security roles over the past decade.

Cllr Michael Cheyne, a chartered engineer representing Boston West, has been appointed to lead highways and transport. Cllr Tom Catton, from Louth South, takes charge of the resources portfolio, bringing extensive experience in finance, HR, and IT across both UK and international companies.

The environment brief goes to Cllr Danny Brookes, a business owner from Skegness who has served on both district and town councils since 2012.

Each executive councillor will be supported by a colleague in their portfolio, reflecting a dual-leadership approach. The appointments mark a decisive shift in leadership tone, with an emphasis on real-world experience and practical service delivery expected to shape the council’s direction going forward.

  Image source: Lincolnshire County Council

Council explores pop-up solution amid prolonged Grimsby library closure

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Council explores pop-up solution amid prolonged Grimsby library closure

Grimsby Central Library remains closed after a March 28 water leak led to the disturbance of asbestos, with no reopening date confirmed. North East Lincolnshire Council is awaiting detailed assessments on the necessary remediation work, including asbestos removal.

While the site remains off-limits, the council is evaluating multiple town centre locations for a temporary pop-up library to maintain public access to core services. The safe removal of books and archives from the existing building is ongoing.

Meanwhile, a broader public consultation into the future of the borough’s library and archive services continues until 9 July. Proposals under review include merging Cleethorpes Library with Cleethorpes Leisure Centre, converting Waltham Library into a volunteer-led operation, and permanently relocating Grimsby Central Library.

Concerns have been raised during public meetings regarding trust in the consultation process and the future of community assets. However, the council maintains that the consultation is in line with national governance standards and clarifies that the temporary closure of Grimsby Library is unrelated to the current consultation.

Final decisions will depend on the outcome of the consultation and will be subject to business case evaluations and the council’s decision-making protocols.

  Image credit: Google maps

Lincoln College Group gives Moroccan visitors a taste of UK aeronautical training

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Lincoln College Group gives Moroccan visitors a taste of UK aeronautical training
The Air & Space Institute (ASI) in Newark recently hosted some distinguished international guests as a team of aeronautic experts from training institution, IMA visited the facility as part of a reciprocal set of visits. Director of international relations at Lincoln College, Rick Long, said: “We were delighted to reciprocate hosting our Moroccan colleagues from IMA and the British Council to showcase the approaches that the Lincoln College Group adopt to offer a world class education experience. “The visit offered insight to the regional aerospace capability, and how a wide range of stakeholders engage, share knowledge and collaborate to build much needed skills and competency. “LC will benefit from sharing of commercial courseware and composite material training by IMA staff.” Lincoln College Group’s visit to Morocco meant engagement with a host of facilities, including the Moroccan aerospace industry membership body – Groupement des Industries Marocaines Aéronautiques et Spatiales (GIMAS), the Aerospace Moroccan Cluster (AMC), the Mohammed VI International Academy of Civil Aviation (AIAC), as well as site tours of industry leaders in Morocco, Groupe Le Piston Français (LPF) and Spirit Aerosystems. GM of IMA, Raphael Samson, said: “Our visit to Lincoln College and its partners highlighted powerful synergies between the UK and Moroccan aerospace ecosystems. “We were particularly inspired by their inclusive approach to female engagement in the sector, and by innovative educational practices such as immersive learning and evidence-based pedagogy. These insights open concrete opportunities to modernise our own training programs and foster high-impact international partnerships.” To show the equivalent associations that the ASI has, the Moroccan cohort were taken to visit partners Ascent Flying Services, Affinity Flying Training Services Limited, Eagle Eye Innovations Ltd as well as meeting with Midlands Aerospace Alliance (MAA). The Moroccan cohort had extensive tours of ASI, as well as visiting Newark College to speak with current and former students and staff and enjoyed some characteristically British hospitality, sampling a meal at the College-run Sessions Restaurant and seeing the College-run fine dining restaurant, The Old Bakery. Rick added: “The project, funded by the British Council aims to help underscore different approaches adopted to encourage the recruitment of potential employees into the aviation sector. This is with a particular focus in increasing the balance of female representation. “It also seeks to evaluate methods and resources that are used to train new recruits and how to upskill existing employees to provide an attractive, highly skilled and sustainable career pathway. This in turn, helps support the flow and retention of appropriately skilled talent into the aviation sector. “Lincoln College will also benefit from sharing of commercial courseware and composite material training by IMA staff.” Programme manager for Morocco at the British Council, Ali Mouzouni, said: “This visit was a valuable opportunity to deepen collaboration between UK and Moroccan institutions in the field of aeronautics training. “From strong female engagement to innovative teaching methods and shared challenges in workforce development, the exchange helped surface synergies between our two ecosystems. “It also reinforced the importance of partnerships in building future-ready technical and vocational education pathways.” Commercial director at ASI, Stuart Naylor, said: “The purpose of this visit and the partners we shared with the visiting cohort was for them to understand the UK aerospace ecosystem and how different organisations engage, share knowledge and support each other and collaborate joining things up. “There was a focus from both Ascent and Affinity on sharing their approaches to skills development, and promoting from within their own workforces, as well as sharing some strategies and initiatives that they have deployed to encourage females into the aviation workplace. “MAA shared their role as a regional convener to share best practise and commercial/research opportunities to the aerospace community – they also outlined their work with other regional and international aerospace clusters. “Our Moroccan guests were very complimentary on the attitude and behaviour of the students at the ASI who showed them around the ALSIM-AL250 flight simulator and the A320.” Following a productive visit, the two organisations have agreed on several strategic priorities to strengthen their collaboration. These include the development of revised training programmes informed by the now common shared expertise and joint efforts to promote careers in the sector. There is now to be a focus on initiatives aimed at increasing female participation as well as specific skills shortages that will meet the industry’s particular needs. The partnership will also foster professional development and enrichment for staff and learners across both countries, reinforcing the long-term cross-border engagement that these visits have created.

Motorcycle display team to perform at Revesby Country Fair

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Motorcycle display team to perform at Revesby Country Fair
Revesby Country Fair will return this summer with a packed schedule of entertainment, activities and events. Taking place at Revesby Park on Sunday 3rd August, the country show will offer jaw-dropping stunt displays and plenty of hands-on activities for all the family, as well as traditional favourites including classic cars, vintage tractors and equine competitions. Headlining this year is the Imps Motorcycle Display Team, which returns by popular demand after last appearing at Revesby Country Fair in 2019. Consisting of children and young people, the Imps is the world’s premier military-style display team – whose youngest performer is just five years old. The team will be putting on an unmissable display of discipline and skill in the Main Ring. With more than 200 traders and exhibitors expected, the event also promises its annual cooking, growing and flower competitions, as well as live music, ‘Revesby style’ terrier racing and some of the best food and drink Lincolnshire has to offer. John Roe, chairman of Revesby Country Fair, said: “We’re thrilled to be returning for another fantastic day out this year, with an exciting line-up of returning favourites that the whole family will know and love. “Visitors can expect an astonishing Main Ring display from the Imps, with multiple motorcycle cross-over routines and billowing fire jumps – it’s not to be missed! “There will also be plenty of ‘have-a-go’ hobbies like clay pigeon shooting and archery, and you can even get your four legged friends involved with dog agility, the gun dog scurry competition and the fun dog show. “Tickets are available now and if you purchase online in advance you’ll be able to skip the queue on the day, so it pays to be organised. We look forward to seeing everyone there, as we celebrate the very best of Lincolnshire produce, craft and entertainment!” Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online in advance, priced at £17 for adults, £6 for children (aged 5-16) and £40 for a family of five (two adults and up to three children). Under 5s and carers go free.
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