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.”
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.
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
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
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 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
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
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.
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.
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 (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/
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
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
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.
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
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
Two high-tech agricultural businesses in Lincolnshire have been offered funding from a national £7.5 million pot to support innovation and growth.
An automated blueberry harvesting project led by Eyre Trailers in Coningsby, in partnership with the University of Lincoln, and a daffodil harvesting scheme at C Wright and Son in Gedney have each been offered around £300,000 as a share of £1.84m awarded to 12 projects across the east of England.
The money has come from the new Launchpads programme managed by Innovate UK which offers small and medium enterprises (SMEs) grants from £25,000 to £300,000 for R&D and innovation projects that focus on agrifood.
The Eastern England Launchpad is being supported by the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils.
Ten other successful projects across the area include novel biological defences against aphids, enhancing the fibre content of food and drink products, enhancements in crop breeding, and creating new types of plant-based food packaging.
The objective of the Eyre Trailers automated blueberry harvesting project, which stands to secure £299,693, is to develop and demonstrate a fully automatic machine for harvesting blueberries, one of the UK’s most important soft fruit crops.
The proposed machine will be fully automatic and will feature new berry removal and bush gripper systems. It will be designed to remove berries from the bush by the use of innovative shaking systems and should be available for widescale deployment by UK growers next year.
Blueberries are now the second largest soft fruit sold in the UK, with the industry expanding to meet demand, but still only has a 7% share of the market.
“We’re very privileged to have been offered the grant and to be working with the University of Lincoln, and we’re looking forward to bringing the project to fruition,” said Bob Eyre from Eyre Trailers. “Without this grant it would be difficult to bring this product to market, so we’re really grateful.
“Blueberry harvesting is very labour-intensive as growers are completely reliant on hand-picking. Finding the workers to do it is difficult and expensive, so everybody is looking to reduce the labour costs and make the job more viable. Currently lots of fruit is left unpicked because the growers can’t find the labour for the harvest.
“By the end of the project we aim to be manufacturing a machine that’s fit for purpose and that satisfies the blueberry growers. It will be quite a big growth area for us and it could really rejuvenate our business.”
The daffodil harvesting project, which has been offered £299,985, is being led by Autopickr in Cambridge with Lincolnshire grower C Wright & Son as a partner.
Horticulture has traditionally offered growers high incomes from small areas of land, but the total land area used for horticulture has declined by 15% since 2020.
To combat shortages of labour and high labour costs the project will develop a multi-functional robotic platform capable of horticultural tasks that cannot be automated using simple machines like tractors or harvesters.
An asparagus harvester has already been developed and will launch in the next three years, and growers have highlighted the fact that flower production, specifically daffodils, is another promising area in which to develop robotic capabilities.
The daffodil picker will feature a sophisticated robotic arm, a platform weighing less than 45kg, and an artificial vision system to recognise picked flowers for the arm to collect and transport.
Success in this project will lower labour costs for English growers and reduce barriers to the growth of daffodil production, which is a lucrative export market for growers.
“We are very pleased to have received funding for this project,” said Adam Cunnington from C Wright & Son. “Labour is getting hard to come by and any method of automating our harvest has to be the way forward. We have every faith in the project delivering automation to a much needed harvest operation.”
As we get older, some people find that their central vision unfortunately deteriorates markedly, with blurriness and shadowing. These effects cause difficulties in everyday life, whether it’s watching TV, or reading – even if reading glasses are used.
Some sufferers find too that it is often impossible for them to recognise faces: this can make socialising very difficult.
At the back of the eye there is an area called the macula which has to be in good health for us to see clearly in the centre of our vision. That area can deteriorate with advancing age, causing the problem of poor central vision. That’s why the problem is called Age-related Macular Degeneration, or AMD.
Recent scientific research has found that compounds called carotenoids have a great influence on the macula and on the brain as well. There are more than 700 carotenoids in nature. They are plant pigments found in brightly coloured fruits and in green leafly vegetables.
Three carotenoids are present in the macula in the eye: Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Meso-Zeaxanthin. Low levels increase the risk of developing AMD.
An impression of how Dry AMD can affect central vision, and gradually become more disabling.
Until recently, it is has been difficult to assess whether a person’s levels of carotenoids are adequate to protect the health of their eyes. New research has come up with a simple non-invasive way of assessing carotenoid levels: the ‘LifeMeter’ measuring device is the product of years of research.
It works by shining special light onto a forefinger and measuring the reflected light. The person being tested just has to put the tip of a forefinger into the reading device. After a few minutes, the test is complete.
The LifeMeter device being used to measure a patient’s carotenoid levels. The patient just puts a forefinger into the LifeMeter measuring instrument. There are no needles, and nothing to feel. The measurements are made by shining special lighting onto the finger.
If the person’s carotenoid levels are lower than recommended for continued eye health, food supplement tablets containing suitable carotenoids will be prescribed. Improvements in levels soon occur, and can be confirmed by further testing after about a month.
Carotenoid levels are not just important for eye health: they are now thought to influence brain health, and low levels may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
On Friday, 21 June, O’Brien’s Optician in Brigg is holding a by-appointment free clinic for evaluating patients’ carotenoid levels.
If you’d like to have your carotenoid levels measured, you’re invited to call 01652 653595 or 01652 649024 for your free-of-cost appointment.
Boston Borough Council have been successful in purchasing the former B&M site at the heart of the proposed Rosegarth Square development.
This strategic move empowers the Council to move forward with development proposals and bring forward the vision for the area utilising £14.8 million of Levelling Up funding.
The B&M store ceased operating a number of years ago and since then, the site has been earmarked for redevelopment. The area is an important part of the Council’s overall aspirations for the town centre regeneration.
Leader of Boston Borough Council, Cllr Anne Dorrian, said: “Improving the town centre is one of our top priorities and we are determined to push ahead to ensure our vision becomes a reality.
“Developing this large, derelict building is yet another piece in that transformation jigsaw. I am really pleased that we have been able to utilise government grant funding to purchase the former B&M site, and we have exciting ideas to ensure that the site makes a positive contribution to our town.”
Image – Boston, Lincolnshire – Stock.adobe.com/Tony
Almost 90 churches and chapels in West Lindsey throw open their doors from May 11th for the area’s Churches Festival, which is now in its 27th year.
The Festival offers visitors buildings located across the stunning landscape of the district, just north of Lincoln and encompassing Gainsborough, Caistor and Market Rasen.
The first weekend (11-12 May) will see 41 churches take part in the east of the district, with 47 churches opening for the second weekend (18-19 May) to the west.
Each church offers a unique experience, from stunning architecture; stained glass and fascinating wood carvings to historic monuments, graveyards full of stories and traditional church organs (some of which the public are welcome to play).
Many buildings are also located in the Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
And alongside all that heritage and landscape is the welcome church volunteers bring to the event, including their knowledge of local history, delicious homemade cakes and lunches, plant and book sales, flower displays, exhibitions and bell ringing.
Beth Sliwinski from Sheffield, a regular visitor to the event, explains why she travels to the event from Yorkshire said: “If ever a reason is needed to visit beautiful Lincolnshire, this is it. Every church provides its own treats – interesting architecture, friendly volunteers, delicious refreshments, picturesque churchyards – even the drives from one church to the next are a pleasure.”
Long-time visitor Lexie Brookes-Ashmore, from Caistor, says she enjoys the graveyards as well as the churches: “I have been visiting the churches festival since 2012, so this will be my 12th year! My best friend and I cancel all other plans for the festival (plus the September one) and always end the day with a picnic. We love the architecture and history as well as the many interesting graves.”
Highlights from this year’s Festival include:
Stepping back in time to the year 875, when Bishop Aelfnoth built his church at Stow, to serve as Mother Church for his Lincolnshire Diocese. St Mary’s, Stow is a treasure trove of beautiful artefacts and architecture. Other fine churches with Saxon origins can be found at Greetwell and Knaith.
Going forward to the Norman period there are the ironstone churches of Caistor, Nettleton, Market Rasen as well as Middle Rasen with its fine Norman Archway.
Two of the festival’s medieval ‘little gems’ not to be missed are St Oswald’s at Rand, on a deserted medieval village, and St Edith’s at Coates by Stow, with its 11th century rood loft and screen.
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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. 
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. 
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 
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 
