In celebration of the Lincoln Festival of History from 3 – 5 May 2025, the University of Lincoln, UK, is offering members of the public the opportunity to journey back in time with a series of free public talks on the city’s history.
Festivalgoers will see Lincoln from a new perspective and the University’s lectures will delve into the often-unknown past of some of the region’s most significant historic happenings, ranging from the renowned authors and poets who helped shape Lincoln’s literary landscape, to medieval discoveries, and learning about the history behind the city’s leprosarium.
The University events are all free and booking is essential – find out more below.
Literary Lincoln: The Early Modern to the 19th Century, Wednesday 30 April – Lincoln Guildhall
Join us at the Guildhall to explore the literary references of Lincolnshire with this trio lecture from Dr Christopher Marlow, Dr Laura Gill and Dr Owen Clayton.
Take a tour of the University of Lincoln’s Conservation Labs, Saturday 3 May – Brayford Pool Campus
Come and tour the University’s Conservation labs to see live conservation projects in action.
Tennyson and the Pre-Raphaelites, Monday 5 May – Brayford Pool Campus
Hear from Jim Cheshire, Associate Professor, as he shares insight into the fascinating world of Tennyson and the Pre-Raphaelites in this public lecture.
Leprosy in Lincoln: The Hospital of the Holy Innocents, Thursday 29 May – Lincoln Guildhall
Join Dr Samantha Tipper for a public lecture that will take you on a journey back in time to around 1098 to hear about Lincoln’s Hospital of the Holy Innocents, a leprosarium, built on the city’s South Common.
Medieval Discoveries: A Learning and Career Journey, Friday 30 May, Lincoln Guildhall
Attend an evening of debates and thought-provoking conversations led by the University’s current and previous MA Medieval Studies students, who will share their ‘medieval discoveries’ and reflect upon the skills they have acquired and enhanced throughout their learning journey.
Speaking about the Conversation lab tours, Henning Schulze, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in Conservation, explained: “During the Festival of History you are invited to experience conservation work at the labs of the University with a short talk, a tour of the facilities and some hands-on activities – and as a special highlight you can witness conservation in action.”
The Festival of History is organised by the city’s Events in Lincoln team and the celebration will offer a variety of activities, performances and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. It is a living history event that will take place from Saturday 3 to Monday 5 May and is open to all members of the public.
Grimsby Library appointments to support people with online forms and other digital assistance is continuing in Cleethorpes, or over the phone, as the town centre building remains closed.
Lincs Inspire and North East Lincolnshire Council have confirmed that one-to-one appointments are going ahead at Cleethorpes Library – to book contact 01472 323650. There is also an option for people to be helped over the phone. Scanning facilities are available at Cleethorpes as well as at the libraries in Waltham and Immingham. See below for opening hours.
An alternative site for the Credit Union is also being looked for. In the meantime, for appointments please contact 01482 778753.
Meanwhile, unreturned library books can go to the libraries in Cleethorpes, Waltham or Immingham – or to the reception at the Municipal offices, which is open Monday to Friday 8.45am until 4pm (excluding bank holidays).
Grimsby Central Library building had to close at short notice after a water leak created a risk of asbestos disturbance. As was common at the time of its construction and opening 58 years ago, the building and materials within it contain asbestos.
Further work is now needed with assessments and necessary asbestos removal and the building will remain closed for some time as this is carried out. The safe removal of the local history archives and books will take place to protect them during the work.
A temporary location for the service in the town centre is being sought, with considerations such as space, location and the IT infrastructure that is needed. Further details will be released as soon as possible.
North East Lincolnshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy, Cllr Hayden Dawkins, said: “Like almost all buildings of this age, asbestos is an issue and until this is dealt with properly, we cannot move forward with any plans for this building.
“The recent water leak and subsequent damage has accelerated essential asbestos removal works that would have always been needed. We will ensure we move as swiftly as we possibly can, and in the meantime, we do apologise for the inconvenience for library users,” he added.
Opening times:
Cleethorpes Library on Alexandra Road, open 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday, and 9am to 1pm Saturday;
Immingham Library at the Civic Centre on Pelham Road, open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm Saturday;
Waltham Library on the High Street, open 8.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5.30pm Tuesday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm Saturday.
A £3.3 million redevelopment of Skegness railway station has stalled after the appointed contractor, Taziker Ltd, withdrew from the project. East Midlands Railway (EMR), which is overseeing the scheme, is now in the process of sourcing a new delivery partner.
The revamp is part of a broader investment funded through the government’s Town Deal programme and aims to improve passenger flow by reconfiguring the station’s internal layout.
Originally scheduled for completion by 25 May, the timeline is now uncertain. EMR has reaffirmed its commitment to the project and is working to minimise disruption while securing a new contractor.
For businesses involved in infrastructure, transport, or town centre regeneration, the delay highlights the potential risks of contractor dependency in publicly funded development schemes.
LNT Care Developments has secured planning approval from South Kesteven District Council for the construction of a 66-bed residential care home in Bourne. The development will replace an existing house on Tarragon Way, with a two-storey H-shaped building designed to include parking for 30 vehicles.
The project is expected to create between 50 and 60 local jobs and represent a significant investment in the area. Beyond construction, it will generate ongoing opportunities for local contractors, suppliers, and community engagement, including potential partnerships with schools and community groups.
While most local residents supported the location, concerns were raised over the site’s accessibility and parking capacity. Ward councillor Helen Crawford noted issues with the proposed entrance on Coriander Drive, potential congestion from HGV traffic, and insufficient parking for visitors and staff.
The planning committee approved the project with the condition that a travel plan and construction plan be submitted. No timeline for the project’s completion has been provided.
Aled Jones will share the stage with a local choir on the latest leg of his one-man Full Circle tour.
Aled will be joined by the Baths Hall Vocal Collective on the stage of Bath Halls, Scunthorpe, at his show there on May 10, 2025.
It is one of several times local choirs will share the stage with Aled on this tour, which returns to theatres on March 25.
The choirs will all join the Welsh star for a duet of How Great Art Thou in the second half of the show, in which Aled shares the stories and songs of his 40-year career.
Choirs have also been given the opportunity to perform their own music in the venue foyers ahead of the start of the show.
Aled said: “I have enjoyed a long and successful career, and it is a real privilege for me to be joined on the stage with a talented local choir. It will be a really special evening.”
The choir’s leader added: “We are so grateful and excited to perform with Aled on his tour. Opportunities to support such great artists like Aled is a real privilege for any group, especially for our lovely local vocal collective. It is wonderful how he is supporting and encouraging community choirs and we can’t wait to perform in the show.”
Aled needs little introduction; he was the boy treble who captivated the world with his angelic voice. Selling more than seven million albums, Aled was the original, classical crossover star. His recording of Walking in the Air, from the animated film The Snowman, firmly established him as a household name and he has become an integral part of the nation’s festivities.
Equally at home on the classical stage, or starring in musical theatre productions in London’s West End, his credits include lead roles in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. He is an award-winning television broadcaster and radio presenter who’s interviewed hundreds of A-List stars over the years. He heads up BBC’s Songs of Praise and his own Saturday and Sunday morning shows on Classic FM.
After almost six years selling gin across Lincolnshire and beyond, The Gentlemen Distillers has ceased production and is in the process of selling off the last of its stock of award-winning gins and liqueurs.
While things are still selling well, the business has decided that “the time has come to call it a day and move to pastures new.”
Having attended events across the county including brass band weekends at Butlins, The Lincolnshire, Revesby and Heckington Shows, Lincoln Christmas Market, and a number of events further afield, The Gentlemen Distillers said: “We would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the years whether it be by being regular customers, stocking us in their shops, or simply buying a single bottle once and enjoying it.
“It’s been fun, but we are looking forward now to getting back to drinking gin instead of making it!”
Victory in Europe’s 80th anniversary will be marked in Grantham with a celebration at Grantham House, a flag raising, a tea dance and a beacon lighting in Wyndham Park.
Organiser South Kesteven District Council is also inviting communities to stage their own events as part of the national commemoration.
The Grantham House celebration on 4th May will also illustrate the council’s Soldiers from the Sky project, made possible by National Lottery players, telling how locally-based Allied paratroopers contributed to the end of the war.
The free event, from 10am to 4pm, will include memorabilia displays from historic airfields and two local wartime air crashes, WWII jeeps and military re-enactors, teas on the lawn, Chapel House pizza, music and bookable military heritage talks in the morning and afternoon.
On Thursday 8th May, VE Day itself, events start with a flag raising on St Peter’s Green at 9am.
In the afternoon the Guildhall Ballroom will host a tea dance to the sound of Glenn Miller and Frank Sinatra with quicksteps, foxtrots, waltzes and Latin numbers.
In the evening, Wyndham Park will host military exhibits in the Visitor Centre, with the park café open, plus music and dancing from Grantham School of Dance and tours of the Heroes Commemorative Orchard in the build up to the beacon lighting at 9.30pm.
Cllr Phil Dilks, South Kesteven District Council Cabinet member for Armed Forces, said: “We are delighted to celebrate such a milestone in our country’s history as part of the national commemoration and extremely grateful to the National Trust for hosting this event at Grantham House.
“It’s vital that we never forget the sacrifices of so many who fought for our freedoms.”
Dr Henry Cutten, Local Partnerships Co-ordinator at Grantham House, said: “The National Trust is honoured to support this meaningful event. Grantham House will soon be opening with free entry, and our hope is that the property will become a special place for the community, somewhere they feel pride in and a sense of ownership for.
“Being part of events like this is a great step towards that ambition and we’d love to hear from any community groups hoping to host events in the future.”
A celebration of music, sound and colour will take over a Grantham park on Saturday 9th August.
The event, at Wyndham Park, will welcome street entertainers of all kinds, from musicians and performers to displays and demonstrations.
The hope is that the gathering will become a regular part of the town’s cultural calendar.
Busking spots must be booked in advance by contacting South Kesteven District Council’s Parks and Events Community Engagement Officer Alison Lewis by email at alison.lewis@southkesteven.gov.uk for an application form.
Alison said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming a wide range of musicians and performers who can provide a fun experience for everyone visiting our award-winning park. From the interest shown so far, we’re already guaranteed to be captivated by the melodies, dazzled by performances and swept away by the energy of the event!
“This experience is the result of public demand and is also something called for in our regular surveys of what people would like to see in Wyndham Park.
“The atmosphere at our regular events here is always amazing and we know people really appreciate live music and the way it lifts the mood and makes for a more enjoyable day out.
“With Grantham Market also booming, it’s another reason to add the town to every family’s list for a great day out.
“So, hold the date of Saturday, 9th August, get busking on your calendars and come along!”
Picture shows Wyndham Park. Image credit: Google maps
The owner of a listed building has been prosecuted by Boston Borough Council after failing to carry out essential maintenance on the historic property, following warnings and a legal notice.
The English Heritage listed property, located at 65A-67 Wide Bargate in Boston, had fallen into a state of disrepair that caused concerns for its long-term safety and turned it into an eyesore in the local area.
Contact was made by the council to the building’s owner in December 2023, asking for necessary improvements to be made to safeguard the building and enhance its appearance.
No works were undertaken, and in June 2024 the council issued a legal notice under section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act, specifying the work that was considered necessary and setting a timescale for it to be completed by October of that year.
Despite this formal notice, no works were undertaken, and the owner failed to engage further with the council, leading to the need for legal action to be taken.
The case was heard at Boston Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 25 March, where the owner was found guilty in her absence and imposed a fine of £660, along with a victim surcharge of £264 and an award of £350 in costs to the council, making a total amount payable of £1,274.
The owner of the property is also still required to carry out the necessary renovations to the property, with the council able to take further legal action if this does not occur.
A Boston Borough Council spokesperson said: “Boston’s historic buildings form a key part of the town’s character, and we are committed to doing everything within our power to ensure they are maintained and managed in a way that preserves them and prevents them from becoming a blight on the community.
“Our planning enforcement team has worked over a prolonged period to engage with this property owner to make sure the required works were carried out, but unfortunately were left with no choice but to pursue legal proceedings to see action taken.
“We are pleased to see the court find in the council’s favour, and hope that these important renovations will now get underway to bring this listed property back to the state it should be.”
Image: Boston, Lincolnshire – credit: Stock.adobe.com/Tony
A new nursery is to be introduced at Priory Lane Community School in Scunthorpe to meet increasing demand for funded early years education, for three-and four-year-olds.
North Lincolnshire Council has approved plans to accommodate up to 15 (full time equivalent) places for nursery aged children within its existing foundation class, ensuring a smooth transition from nursery to reception.
Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children, families and communities, said: “This is fantastic news for local families, and I look forward to more children getting the opportunity of the best possible start in their education.
“Expanding nursery places means more children will have access to high-quality early learning, helping to build strong foundations for their future success and is something that I am very pleased to support.
“Most importantly, this expansion will give more children the opportunity to develop essential early learning skills, preparing them for a smooth and confident transition into primary education within their own community.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/highwaystarz
Whether it’s family adventures at Hide & Secrets, an Easter Sunday Treasure Hunt, exploring 500 years of history inside the house, or discovering outdoor art that celebrates nature & well-being, Burghley is bursting with life and excitement inside and out, with something for everyone to enjoy this month.
Hide & Secrets Adventure Play
Open daily, from 10am-5pm, an Easter mission awaits for woodland explorers and secret spies at Burghley’s Hide & Secrets Adventure Play. Pick up a free Spymaster’s Guide on arrival and take on special spy missions across fun-packed play zones, woodland trails and The Hidden Towers.
Easter Egg Treasure Hunt
On 20 April (10am-5pm), one of Burghley’s most popular events of the year returns. On Easter Sunday hunt for hidden clues throughout the Sculpture Garden, solve the puzzle, and claim a delicious chocolate egg from Burghley’s Easter Bunny.
Craft Workshops
From 7-11 and 14-17 April (12pm-3.30pm), join Easter-themed Craft Workshops, where you’ll be guided step by step in crafting your own Easter creation.
Beastly Boring Tours
On 7-10, 12, and 14-17 April (9.30am-10.30am), enjoy history with a twist. These engaging, costume-guided tours bring Burghley’s stories to life for younger visitors. Discover quirky, curious and surprising tales from the past 500 years.
Family Friendly Food
Whether you’re after a quick bite or a relaxed lunch, there’s something for everyone. The Muddy Mole, at the heart of Adventure Play, serves takeaway lunch boxes and drinks ideal for families on the go. For something more leisurely, the Garden Cafe offers light lunches and snacks, while the Orangery Restaurant features a seasonal menu with plenty of tasty options for children.
And Amo La Pizza is back for Easter, from 5-18 April (11am-4pm, 2pm on Fridays), serving at Hide & Secrets Adventure Play. Renowned for their artisan wood-fired pizzas, Amo La Pizza are a Burghley favourite, back serving from their converted horsebox.
Botanic Tapestry: ‘An Artistic Bridge to Nature’
A vibrant display of botanical flags, inspired by Burghley’s historic collections and flourishing gardens, is at South Gardens until 21 April (closed on 11 April) and at the Sculpture Garden from 26 April, exploring the connection between art, nature, and history. Designed to uplift and inspire, it’s a celebration of creativity and wellbeing in a beautiful setting.
South Gardens Spring Opening
Open daily until 21 April (closed on 11 April), from 10am-5pm, the seasonal displays in the South Gardens never fail to disappoint. Stroll through sweeping displays of spring bulbs and vibrant colour, all framed by views across the Parkland, Lake and beyond.
Visit Burghley House
Open daily from 10.30am-4.30pm (closed on Fridays), step inside one of the grandest houses in England; a magical home of magnificent State Rooms, awe-inspiring artworks, priceless treasures and centuries of stories.
Treasury Exhibition: ‘Flowers in Art’
Open daily from 10.30am-4.30pm (closed on Fridays), Flowers in Art invites you to explore a beautiful collection of books, woodwork, porcelain, and ceramics, all featuring intricate floral details through marquetry, inlay, and weaving.
West Lindsey’s 2025 Churches Festival will celebrate the rich architecture and heritage, tranquillity and spirituality, of the area’s churches.
Paul Howitt-Cowan, one of the organisers of the festival, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming visitors from far and wide to our beautiful county. One hundred churches will be opening their doors to visitors during two weekends in May and we are even including a few neighbouring churches across the border in North Lincolnshire as well!”
On 10th & 11th May churches will fling open their doors in the west of West Lindsey. Tower tours at St Andrew’s, Kirton in Lindsey, a family friendly ‘mouse hunt’ at St Genewys, Scotton, and Viking Graffiti at the cruciform Anglo-Saxon Minster church of St Mary at Stow, are amongst the activities on offer.
Travel across the Lincolnshire border to Epworth, birthplace of Methodism, to visit the Wesley Memorial Methodist Church, built as a lasting memorial to John Wesley, considered the father of Methodism and his brother Charles, composer of over 6,500 hymns.
Highlights during week two, on 17th & 18th May, in the east of West Lindsey, include ‘Value it, Flog it’ at St Edmund’s, Riby, where you can receive expert advice on your treasured items. St Peter and St Paul, Middle Rasen enjoy ‘Holiday Memories’, Holy Rood, Market Rasen celebrate ‘angels’ and St John the Baptist, Nettleton depict the ‘Colours of The Rainbow’ through vibrant floral decorations.
West Lindsey churches also showcase their communities’ histories through the ages. As well as delightful 14th-15th century pew ends, Ulceby St Nicholas has a rood screen linked to nearby Thornton Abbey. Hainton, St Mary’s, remembers the Heneage Family through its collection of nationally important monuments, spanning five centuries from brass memorials of 1435 to modern day memorials of 1954. 11th century Glentworth, St Michael shares its links to the Mayflower Pilgrims that sailed to American from Boston.
All Saints, Tealby displays information of the village links with Victorian poet Alfred Lord Tennyson. And Scampton, St John the Baptist proudly recognises its close association with the RAF, with windows dedicated to personnel from RAF Scampton and 617 Squadron and interactive screens exploring the lives of people buried in the miliary and war graves in the churchyard.
Some churches open for you to take time out from the busy pace of life. The small wooden St John the Divine, Southrey invites just that, whilst also serving strawberries and cream. And there are plenty of other churches offering tempting cakes and refreshments.
Paul summed up what the festival means to the communities in West Lindsey and said: “We know many people visit year after year and for that we thank you for your support in making this one of the biggest and best Churches Festivals in Europe. Not only are you supporting our church heritage, you are also supporting many of our small villages.”
Image: St Michael’s Church in Buslingthorpe (Push Creativity)
The May Fair 900 Exhibition has opened at Boston Guildhall, inviting visitors to explore the 900-year history of one of England’s oldest and most cherished fairs.
This unique exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the centuries, uncovering how the Boston May Fair has evolved from its medieval roots to the vibrant event it is today. The exhibition will feature local historian Neil Watson’s photographs and artefacts, some dating back to the 1850s. Neil will also be giving a talk at the Guildhall on Saturday 26 April (1.30pm to 3pm) covering the Fair 1850-1920.
On Saturday 10 May the exhibition will close with the Boston Model Fairground Show and live entertainment in Beadsman’s Lane alongside the museum.
David Worthington, museum, events and venue officer at Boston Guildhall, said: “The May Fair has been a part of Boston’s story for centuries, and this exhibition is a fantastic way to help celebrate its incredible history. We’re delighted to invite people of all ages to step back in time and discover how this beloved fair has grown and changed over the last 900 years.”
Hull-based commercial developer Wykeland Group has acquired a landmark site in Grimsby and announced new investment is on its way.
Wykeland has purchased the former Ramsdens Superstore site from the Grimsby-based retail and cash and carry business Ramsden Group and, as the new owner, will take the lead in rejuvenating it.
That has already begun with Wykeland announcing that, in a linked transaction, a deal has been agreed to sell part of the site to family-owned retailer Farmfoods, for the development of a new 15,000 sq ft store with car parking.
The sale of just over an acre of land to Farmfoods is subject to full planning permission for the new frozen food and groceries store. A planning application has been submitted and, if approved, the store is expected to create up to 15-20 new jobs.
Wykeland will retain the remaining 1.8 acres and explore opportunities to attract further investment and regeneration, while investing around £100,000 to improve the site, including structural repairs to a property fronting Cleethorpe Road.
Wykeland has also renamed the development as Ramsden Park, in tribute to the site’s history as the place where the Ramsden Group business was founded, with the opening of the Ramsdens store in 1946.
Ramsden Group and Wykeland have previously secured investment by coffee house chain Starbucks in a drive-thru and eat-in café on the corner of the site facing Cleethorpe Road and Park Street. The Starbucks facility has traded successfully for more than three years.
Now, with Farmfoods also coming on board, Wykeland is exploring further opportunities to revitalise the site.
Wykeland Development Director Jonathan Stubbs said: “We’re pleased to announce we have acquired the site from Ramsden Group and have also concluded a deal, subject to planning consent, to bring in new investment from one of the UK’s most popular food retailers.
“As well as supporting Farmfoods through the planning process, we’ll be investing in improvements on site and exploring further development opportunities.
“We’re committed to the regeneration of this important location on the main route between Grimsby and Cleethorpes and keen to hear from investors who would like to work with us to realise its potential.”
The site has existing planning approval for 65,000 sq ft of retail development, with units ranging from 1,000 sq ft to 10,000 sq ft. Wykeland will also consider other viable options for development.
Image: An aerial view of the former Ramsdens Superstore site in Grimsby. Wykeland Group has acquired the site and will now take the lead in rejuvenating it. Picture credit: Chris Frear
The Vine Hotel, a guest house and event venue in Skegness, is to be sold.
Dating back to 1770 and reported to be the oldest property in Skegness, The Vine Hotel comprises 25 ensuite bedrooms, a restaurant, two bars, and function spaces, set within 3 acres of lawned gardens and outside dining areas including five dining pods. The property also has planning permission for a further 20 letting bedrooms which could be created under new ownership.
The Vine Hotel is known for its connection to poet Alfred Lord Tennyson, and is home to ‘Tennyson’s Tree’, where he is known to have written much of his work.
The hotel was acquired by the current owners over 10 years ago, and has since undergone significant investment and development.
Matt Hill, Senior Business Agent at Christie & Co who is managing the sale, said: “The Vine Hotel is a busy, successful and historic Hotel, Bar and Restaurant which we are proud to be marketing and would be an asset to any owner’s portfolio.
“The opportunity also offers further potential as there is granted planning permission for 20 additional lettings bedrooms within the ground of around 3 acres.”
The Vine Hotel is on the market with an asking price of £1,795,000.
The UK government will sell RAF Scampton on the open market, rejecting West Lindsey District Council’s bid to acquire the site for a £300 million redevelopment project.
Earmarked initially by the previous Conservative government for migrant housing, the site’s asylum plans were scrapped in September. The Home Office cited regulatory requirements preventing a direct sale to the council, emphasising that disposal of public land must follow market rules.
Since March 2023, the site has cost over £60 million. Government officials claim the sale will prevent further taxpayer losses. Meanwhile, the council, which had partnered with Scampton Holdings Ltd. for regeneration, argues that contamination, heritage issues, and infrastructure limitations make a public-private partnership the only viable option for redevelopment.
Scampton Holdings remains committed to the project despite setbacks. Chairman Peter Hewitt criticised the delays, while local MP Sir Edward Leigh called the government’s decision “madness,” arguing it wasted time and resources on failed asylum plans.
Charitable donations made by diners at a Lincoln restaurant will help keep children occupied whilst being cared for in hospital.
The children’s wards at Lincoln County Hospital have been stocked with new arts, crafts and play equipment thanks to a generous donation from Mowgli Street Food, Lincoln.
The popular Indian restaurant has been fundraising since June 2024 and has raised a staggering £7,775 by asking customers to donate an additional £1 to United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity when paying for their food.
Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group Chief Executive, Professor Karen Dunderdale, recently met with the restaurant’s Charity Leader, Jonny Clamp and his colleague Elli Gale to show how their donation had been spent. She said: “It is fantastic that the residents of Lincolnshire have supported our charity by making a donation when paying their bills at Mowgli Lincoln.”
The Mowgli team also met patients and staff during the visit and pledged to continue to fundraise for the children’s wards. Jonny said: “We are a local business, and we want to support a local charity that helps the people in and around Lincoln. Most of our customers donate, it is just £1 on someone’s bill, what is an extra £1 when it makes such a difference here in this ward.”
In 2024, United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity received over £1 million in donations and funded projects across the county’s hospitals in Lincoln, Boston, Grantham and Louth.
Picture shows: Jonny Clamp and Ellie Gale from Mowgli Lincoln with Professor Karen Dunderdale and team from Lincoln County Hospital Childrens’ Wards
A key tenant has been secured for a new building in Scunthorpe town centre. The Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) will take over the office space at Elizabeth Quarter.
Elizabeth Quarter is a newly developed three-storey building owned by North Lincolnshire Council, featuring a ground-floor café and reception area, with modern office spaces on the first and second floors, covering approximately 1,250 sq m.
RDaSH will lease the office space for 15 years. The space will be used for clinical consultations, patient appointments, and as the headquarters for the Community Mental Health and Talking Therapy workforce.
The occupation of the offices by RDaSH is expected to facilitate the lease of the ground-floor café to another tenant.
Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council
Lincolnshire Today caught up with Hannah Dale, a wildlife illustrator, founder of Wrendale Designs, and self-proclaimed “Lincolnshire girl at heart,” ahead of the publication of her new book, A WILDING YEAR: Bringing Life Back To The Land, an illustrated journal of a year during the ambitious rewilding project that Hannah and her husband have undertaken on their farm.
A self-proclaimed “Lincolnshire girl at heart,” Hannah Dale is a wildlife illustrator and founder of the award-winning stationery and gift design company, Wrendale Designs, specialising in watercolour illustrations. Having grown up in the countryside of rural Lincolnshire and influenced by the local landscape, Hannah admits she’s never wanted to be anywhere else. Her background has informed everything from establishing her business in North Lincolnshire to the county’s wildlife sparking her inspiration to start drawing animals.
Roe Deer illustration taken from A WILDING YEAR Bringing Life Back To The Land by Hannah Dale, published by Batsford in hardback at £14.99
With a deep connection to nature and a passion for ecology and conservation, in 2019 Hannah and her husband embarked on an ambitious rewilding project on their 300-acre farm in North Lincolnshire. We caught up with Hannah ahead of the publication of her new book A WILDING YEAR: Bringing Life Back To The Land, an impassioned and personal illustrated journal of a year during their rewilding journey. From the return of orchids to beavers becoming the most recently introduced animal to the farm — the first to return to Lincolnshire in 400 years — it is certainly an inspiring story, though not one without its challenges.
“One of the biggest challenges initially is that we didn’t really know what we were doing,” Hannah shared. “We just felt that the farm wasn’t suitable for producing food. The land that we’re on is incredibly heavy clay, it sits wet all winter and then in the summer, because it has generations of drainage underneath, it bakes very dry and hard.” Going through four years of unproductive arable farming, the farm had equally lost its value to wildlife, creating a “worst of all worlds” situation. This, however, pushed Hannah and her husband to go down a different route, coming to the conclusion it was the perfect candidate for rewilding — a process of restoring ecosystems to the point that nature can take care of itself.
Starting their own rewilding project would not be easy, with advice and support difficult to find. “People were just so shocked at what we were considering, especially in Lincolnshire,” Hannah explained. “It was so different from what anybody else was doing and really difficult to get the support, but over the last five years rewilding has definitely entered the mainstream more.” In A WILDING YEAR, Hannah details the struggles of dealing with differing opinions on the project — of which there were many for and against. Not deterred, her commitment to rewilding has seen nature rapidly respond. “We didn’t know what to expect from day one, but very quickly we started to see lots of new species on the farm that we’d never seen before, and them returning with quite significant abundance,” Hannah said. Birds are one of the animals thriving, including 40 nesting sites of Skylark across the farm which did not exist before, the return of lapwing, and lots of grey partridge. “We have birds on the red list [those of conservation concern], that are really struggling and coming back to the farm in large numbers. That has been absolutely amazing to see.”
Skylark illustration taken from A WILDING YEAR Bringing Life Back To The Land by Hannah Dale, published by Batsford in hardback at £14.99
Butterflies are also a star of the rewilding project, showcasing how nature can heal within a short space of time. “Somebody from the local village, who’s been very supportive of what we’re doing, has been surveying butterflies in our local area and around our farm for the past 30 years,” Hannah explained, “and he’s seen the number of species decline and decline from in the twenties to 13 different species. Within two or three years of letting the scrub start to develop on the farm, we did a butterfly survey and recorded 23 different species of butterfly! Within that incredibly short space of time, you can see recovery starting to happen. The lepidopterist who did the survey said it is probably one of the best sites in Lincolnshire for grassland butterflies. It is astonishing to me that we went from being one of the worst sites for arable farming in the county to one of the best sites for grassland butterflies. It was an indication that we’re doing the right thing.”
One of the most exciting reappearances on the farm for Hannah, however, is orchids — now rare in our countrysides — due to the unique conditions it takes for them to grow. Hannah shared: “Last year we had common spotted orchid, pyramidal orchid and southern marsh orchid all growing on the farm. The reason that’s so exciting is because orchids produce seeds that are absolutely tiny. They’re like dust and they don’t have any resources within the seeds, so in order to be able to germinate they have to find a particular type of mycorrhizal fungus in the soil and then it forms this symbiotic relationship where the fungus feeds the seed and allows the plant to grow, and then as the plant becomes bigger, it can then supply sugars to the fungus. So, you can imagine when land is being farmed intensively it destroys the fungus within the soil and destroys these relationships. Starting to see the orchids growing on the farm again is an indication that that soil is starting to heal and some of those relationships are able to develop again.”
These wildlife wins are showcased in Hannah’s new book, A WILDING YEAR, the writing of which came naturally. “What we’re doing on the farm has provided so much more inspiration for my artwork,” she shared. “I find myself out there often with a sketchbook and recording what’s happening on the day-to-day basis on the farm through the art. That naturally then led to writing down some of those experiences and gave me the idea that actually this would make a really nice book. It’s part journal and part sketchbook and is filled with illustrations and lots of personal anecdotes and experiences of a year on the farm and through our rewilding journey.”
Fox illustrations taken from A WILDING YEAR Bringing Life Back To The Land by Hannah Dale, published by Batsford in hardback at £14.99
Hannah hopes the book will encourage people to see more beauty in wildness and understand that gardens don’t have to be neat and tidy spaces: “If we can leave our grass to grow a little bit longer, leave wild areas around the margins, stop using pesticides in the garden, it would make such a big difference to wildlife and we’d start to see more and more butterflies, hedgehogs and birds in our domestic spaces.” She added: “If I can play a little part in trying to restore nature and inspire people in Lincolnshire to do something similar, what a legacy. I’d be so proud to be able to do that.” For those who may want to follow in her footsteps and begin their own rewilding project, Hannah advised to “just go for it.” She said: “It doesn’t matter what scale you do it on, just follow the general principles of embracing wild, native plants and letting things grow and look a little bit untidy. It will absolutely encourage more wildlife into those spaces. There aren’t any hard and fast rules — that’s the other great thing about rewilding.”
With the rewilding of the farm well underway, Hannah is stepping back and letting nature take its course — for the most part: “The principle of rewilding is trying to let nature take the lead, but as we’re on 300 acres there are always going to be interventions that we need to do; playing those proxy roles of the animals that are missing from the landscape, like the large herbivores that once roamed and shaped it.” This includes digging holes as a proxy for a bull pit for when there were big aurochs, an extinct type of wild cattle, roaming the landscape. Hannah continued: “Largely it is a project where we can sit back and see what happens. We introduced beavers into the site just over a year ago and it’s exciting and interesting to see what they’re able to do in terms of creating wetlands and shaping the landscape, so there’s a lot of standing back and watching everything happen.” The introduction of the beavers marks the first in Lincolnshire in 400 years, having been native to the country but eradicated for meat, fur and castoreum.
The progress on the farm is “just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what is to come,” however. Hannah is enjoying the journey rather than aiming for a goal or endpoint: “I’m sure that there’ll be surprises, you never know what’s going to come next, which is really exciting.”
An inspiring account of how, in a time of climate breakdown, nature can thrive when given the chance, A WILDING YEAR: Bringing Life Back To The Land is out now, with all the royalties Hannah receives from writing the book going back into the nature recovery project.See this interview in the April issue of Lincolnshire Today Magazine, here.
For a chance to win one of five free copies of A WILDING YEAR: Bringing Life Back To The Land by Hannah Dale, send an email to competitions@blmgroup.co.uk answering the following question: What animal has Hannah recently introduced to the farm, the first to return to Lincolnshire in 400 years?
Grimsby’s new Horizon Youth Zone has reached a major construction milestone, with work now complete on the roofline of the final building, which offers a first glimpse of how the development will look on the town’s skyline.
Located on Garth Lane, the development is being delivered by national charity OnSide in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council, which is contributing to the development as part of the Greater Grimsby Town Deal, and the Department of Culture Media and Sport, through the Youth Investment Fund.
The site is being transformed by Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter and is due to open this autumn. As part of the work, a series of Grade II listed 19th century maltings and grain store buildings, known as West Haven Maltings and Migar House, have been fully restored and repurposed.
The middle part of the building sits at the heart of the development alongside the River Freshney and on a river wall which had to be rebuilt using a pontoon in the river to create a safe working platform. The building had fallen into a state of disrepair but it has been rebuilt, and work is now complete on its new roof structure.
In addition to the refurbishment and restoration aspects of the project, the final piece of the scheme will see Hobson & Porter constructing a large outdoor multi-use games area (MUGA).
Horizon Youth Zone will offer a safe and inspiring place for young people aged 8 to 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs, to enjoy their leisure time.
Joe Booth, Business Development Director from Hobson & Porter, said: “With construction due to complete this summer ahead of the Youth Zone opening in autumn, this part of the development and restoration of the building, which was in a poor state of disrepair, is an achievement worth marking for the whole project team.
“It’s been a highly complex part of the scheme, that also required a retaining river wall to be built, but it’s the final piece of the jigsaw that now shows how Horizon Youth Zone will integrate into Grimsby’s skyline.
“The feedback we’ve received from the people of Grimsby has been fantastic, regardless of whether or not they’re connected to the project, because it’s given these buildings and this site a new lease of life and is going to make a huge difference to so many local young people, as well as bringing a state-of-the-art facility to the town.”
Lucy Ottewell-Key, CEO of Horizon Youth Zone, said: “We’re delighted with how work is progressing and to see the completed roofline on this final building feels like a major milestone ahead of our opening later this year.
“There’s a genuine buzz across North East Lincolnshire about Horizon Youth Zone and what it means for young people throughout the region, especially because so many local businesses, organisations and patrons are supporting us and making it possible, which is very exciting for everyone involved.”
Horizon Youth Zone is an independent charity with a private sector led board, and once opened, it will be part of the OnSide network of 15 Youth Zones nationwide, which support over 50,000 young people annually. After completion, it’s estimated that Horizon could benefit up to 4,000 young people from North East Lincolnshire each year.
Capital funders of Horizon Youth Zone comprise of Historic England, National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Architectural Heritage Fund, The Youth Investment Fund, Evergreen Life, St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, Ørsted and Greencoats Wind UK.
Horizon Youth Zone is also building a family of Founder Patrons, comprising of local organisations and philanthropists, who will support the Youth Zone during its first four years.
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The progress on the farm is “just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what is to come,” however. Hannah is enjoying the journey rather than aiming for a goal or endpoint: “I’m sure that there’ll be surprises, you never know what’s going to come next, which is really exciting.”
An inspiring account of how, in a time of climate breakdown, nature can thrive when given the chance, A WILDING YEAR: Bringing Life Back To The Land is out now, with all the royalties Hannah receives from writing the book going back into the nature recovery project.
See this interview in the April issue of Lincolnshire Today Magazine, here.
The progress on the farm is “just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what is to come,” however. Hannah is enjoying the journey rather than aiming for a goal or endpoint: “I’m sure that there’ll be surprises, you never know what’s going to come next, which is really exciting.”
An inspiring account of how, in a time of climate breakdown, nature can thrive when given the chance, A WILDING YEAR: Bringing Life Back To The Land is out now, with all the royalties Hannah receives from writing the book going back into the nature recovery project.
See this interview in the April issue of Lincolnshire Today Magazine, here.
