New flags showcase voices of South & East Lincolnshire’s young people
Last week, the powerful words of young people from across South & East Lincolnshire were unveiled, ready to inspire and engage the community.
In October 2024, Zest conducted workshops for over 400 young individuals aged 9-18 across the region, including East Lindsey, Boston Borough, and South Holland. These workshops, co-led by local youth, provided a platform for the next generation to express their thoughts on a wide range of topics — from unity and mental health to the universe’s big questions.
The culmination of these workshops is now visible in the form of vibrant artworks displayed on large flags. These flags will tour cultural centres, communities, and events across the region, ensuring that the voices of young people are heard far and wide.
Refresh South & East Lincolnshire is an initiative that places the voices of young people at the heart of their community, bringing colour and conversation to their hometowns. The project features 27 festival flags, with 9 representing each area — South Holland, Boston, and East Lindsey.
These flags will sometimes be displayed together and other times in their respective local areas. The exhibition is now on in Sutton-on-Sea High Street (East Lindsey flags), The Guildhall, Boston (Boston flags) and Ayscoughfee Hall Museum & Gardens (South Holland flags) until the end of February 2025.
Participating schools and groups include Beacon Primary Academy, Skegness; Carlton Road Academy, Boston; Meridale Youth Group, Sutton-On-Sea; Skegness Grammar School; St Nicolas CE Primary Academy, Boston; St Norbert’s Catholic Primary Academy, Spalding; Sutton-On-Sea Community Primary School and Tower Road Academy, Boston.
Councillor Graham Marsh, East Lindsey District Council’s representative on the NPO culture board, Councillor Sarah Sharpe, Boston Borough Council’s representative on the NPO culture board, and Councillor Elizabeth Sneath, South Holland District Council’s representative on the NPO culture board, said: “We are incredibly proud of this initiative, which amplifies the voices of our young people and brings their vibrant expressions to the heart of our community. Their insights and creativity are truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact these artworks will have across South & East Lincolnshire.”
Toby Ealden, CEO and Artistic Director, Zest, said: “Young people have so much to say about the world around them—they just need the space to be heard. Refresh South & East Lincolnshire is proof of that. These flags aren’t just artworks; they’re declarations, conversations, and challenges to the status quo.
“It’s been incredible to see young people from across the region step up, own their voices, and put their ideas out into the world. Our hope is that, by sharing these inspirational words, their perspectives could shape the future in ways we can’t yet imagine.”
This initiative is commissioned by Story Tellers and funded by Arts Council England.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/JenkoAtaman
Historic day dawns for Lincolnshire
The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority is now an official body, following final communication from the Government.
The Leaders of Lincolnshire County Council and North and North East Lincolnshire unitary authorities have received an official letter from the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE MP.
This confirms he has signed the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority Regulations 2025, which created the GLCCA and devolves functions to it.
In the correspondence, the Minister adds: “I would like to thank you and your officers for your hard work in enabling us to deliver this landmark agreement for the people of Greater Lincolnshire.”
Following this, the first meeting of the new authority’s board will be in early March, with the election for a Mayor going ahead as planned on Thursday 1 May.
Reacting to the news, the Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “Having enjoyed a local political career here that has spanned more than three decades, this is a true highlight.
“We now move forward with a combined county authority that can work to effect real and positive change for all our residents. We expect to see this new authority make a significant difference in key areas, such as business growth, skills and improving our housing, our infrastructure and public transport – and this is just the start.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in the creation of the GLCCA and bringing the very best deal here to benefit our communities,” he added.
North Lincolnshire Council Leader Rob Waltham said: “The formal creation of the combined authority marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the residents of Lincolnshire.
“With ministerial approval now secured, we can move forward with the real work of delivering better jobs, improved transport, and greater opportunities.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to take control of our own future – ensuring that investment is directed where it will have the greatest impact and that every penny is spent delivering tangible benefits for local people.
“As someone deeply rooted in Lincolnshire, I am committed to making sure this new authority drives real, positive change – protecting our communities, growing our economy, and securing a brighter future for all.”
Cllr Martin Hill, the Leader of Lincolnshire County Council added: “There has been a lot of hard work to get to this point, and much more still to do. I firmly believe that decisions that affect local people should be taken locally, and the benefits of devolution mean that we will be in charge of our own future in Greater Lincolnshire. These issues are really important to residents’ everyday lives, when it comes to the housing available, how we all get about the county and the jobs and training that are available.
“We’ll also be able to deal more directly with government in representing the needs of our area, and have a clearer voice to attract more investment.”
The deal brings with it an investment package of £720 million over 30 years with a one-off capital investment of £28.4 million to invest in priority schemes across the Greater Lincolnshire footprint. With it also comes an elected Mayor to chair the new authority and give our region a greater voice in Westminster.
‘Martha’s Rule’ Call for Concern service extended to Boston
A service which offers patients, their families and carers 24-hour access to a rapid review if they have concerns about a person’s deteriorating condition is now available at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston.
Call for Concern will give anyone worried about a loved one who is staying on a hospital ward direct contact to a dedicated team who will give urgent help and advice.
The service has been developed as part of the implementation of ‘Martha’s Rule’.
Martha Mills died in 2021 after developing sepsis in hospital in London, where she had been admitted with a pancreatic injury after falling off her bike. Martha’s family’s concerns about her deteriorating condition were not responded to, and in 2023 a coroner ruled that Martha would probably have survived had she been moved to intensive care earlier.
In response to this and other cases related to the management of deterioration, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and NHS England committed to implement ‘Martha’s Rule’ in the NHS nationally; to ensure the vitally important concerns of the patient and those who know the patient best are listened to and acted upon.
The Call for Concern service was originally launched at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, and is now being adapted for other acute and specialist hospitals.
Professor Ciro Rinaldi, Deputy Medical Director at United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “The Call for Concern service builds on the existing safeguards already in place in our hospitals to offer a clear and direct way for patients, families, carers and other advocates to further escalate their concerns and access a rapid review of their care.”
Nerea Odongo, Group Chief Nurse for Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group, said: “I’m very proud of what the teams have accomplished in setting up this service. In Lincolnshire, the Critical Care Outreach Team will be responsible for these reviews. They have extensive experience in caring for patients whose conditions may be worsening.
“This team, made up of specialist doctors and nurses, collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure that appropriate care plans are in place. A special thank you to everyone involved for their dedication and hard work in making this possible.”
The service can be accessed by using the dedicated Call for Concern telephone number for the relevant hospital site.
Those with concerns should use Call for Concern when there is a significant change in a patient’s condition and, after discussion with the ward team, they feel their concerns have not been addressed or it is still not clear what the plan is for the patient.
A member of the Critical Care Outreach Team may provide advice over the telephone in the first instance, or visit the ward to discuss and assess the situation.
Image credit: United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
South and East Lincolnshire launch new arts web site
A new website called Story Tellers has been launched to bring the heritage of South and East Lincolnshire to life through a mix of interactive arts and culture.
The online hub highlights past and ongoing cultural initiatives, featuring local artists, practitioners, and community members. From light nights and virtual reality museums to theatrical performances, vintage celebrations, and immersive soundscapes, Story Tellers invites everyone to explore and engage with the region’s cultural landscape.showcasing a diverse range of creative projects and events funded by Arts Council England and delivered through the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership’s NPO programme.
In April 2023, the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership was awarded National Portfolio Organisation status by Arts Council England for the first time, securing almost £2m to invest in arts, culture, and creativity across the region from 2023 to 2026. This funding supports projects under five key themes; Re-imagine – exploring new ways to experience culture; Reconnect – strengthening community ties through shared stories; Uplift – empowering local artists and creatives; Activate – inspiring participation in arts and heritage and Leadership – driving cultural innovation across the region.
With its own Cultural Framework, the Partnership spans Boston Borough, East Lindsey, and South Holland, working collaboratively to bring high-quality cultural experiences to local communities.
Councillor Graham Marsh, East Lindsey District Council’s representative on the NPO culture board, Councillor Sarah Sharpe, Boston Borough Council’s representative on the NPO culture board, and Councillor Elizabeth Sneath, South Holland District Council’s representative on the NPO culture board, said: “The launch of the Story Tellers website marks a significant milestone in celebrating the rich arts, culture, and heritage of South and East Lincolnshire. We are thrilled to support this initiative, which not only showcases the incredible talent within our community but also fosters a deeper connection to our shared history and creativity. This platform will undoubtedly inspire and engage residents and visitors alike, highlighting the vibrant cultural landscape of our region.”
Story Tellers marks a pioneering achievement as the first local authority-led NPO to trial cross-district cultural collaboration, bringing together three local authorities under a shared vision for creative engagement.
Rob Pitman, from Paradigm Arts, said: “The launch of the Story Tellers website is an exciting ‘next step’ in our journey as an NPO. For the last year a lot of work has been going on and with this website we can now begin to share what we’ve done, what we plan to do and help more and more people across the region get involved with what’s yet to come.”
HE Sports Coaching students move, solve and connect with CPD Event
Challenging traditional thinking towards PE and sport was the theme of the day, as HE Sports Coaching, Education, and Development students engaged with a tailored CPD session at the Lincoln College University Centre (LCUC) last week.
The event was delivered by Daniel Taylor of Discovery Sports Coaching, a Lincolnshire-based company that specialises in PE and sports coaching, and supported by growth partner Beyond the Physical, an organisation that works with educational institutions across the country to encourage PE as a driving factor for young people.
In his keynote presentation entitled ‘Move, Solve, Connect’, Daniel challenged traditional sport-based PE curriculums being used within primary schools, which is said to contribute to children’s disaffection with PE and sport due to not being afforded the time to develop essential fundamental movement skills. Daniel then shared his core beliefs that a mastery approach to fundamental movement skills development should be at the heart of primary school PE, allowing young people to become physically literate and help to foster a lifelong love with PE, sport and physical activity.
Programme Lead for the HE Sport Coaching, Education, and Development courses at the Lincoln College University Centre, Scott Bastow, said: “As one of our student alumni, it was a pleasure to welcome Daniel back to the LCUC to share his thoughts on the future of primary school PE. His views certainly align with our own and it was great for our students to hear from an industry expert about the direction in which PE and sport coaching is moving towards.”
Learners from all levels of the HE Sport Coaching, Education, and Development degree then got to access Beyond the Physical resources and experience a physical workshop in the sports hall too, putting what they had learned earlier into practice.
Scott added: “The practical element was a fantastic opportunity for our students to see the Discovery Sports Coaching approach to primary school PE delivery, and we thank Daniel for coming in to share his expertise and experience. The practical certainly brought the theory to life and I think it really resonated with our students, so I’m excited to see them try to apply what they have learnt into their own practice. We’re always trying to upskill learners and ensure that we’re building towards them being work ready with their experiences.”
Daniel also spoke highly of his experiences in working with LCUC: “I’m really thankful to Scott and the college for allowing us to work with their students. Part of our mission is to drive change in how Primary PE is perceived and delivered for the benefit of the children we support. While we do a lot to assist schools and teachers, it’s just as important to engage with students before they enter our sector. The students today were a pleasure to work with, and we look forward to collaborating with the college again in the future to support their programmes and students.”
North Lincolnshire residents and businesses offered opportunity to undertake free training courses
North Lincolnshire residents and businesses are being offered the opportunity to undertake a variety of training courses that are fully funded through a brand-new program.
1000 Futures is a skills program designed to empower people and businesses in North Lincolnshire with the opportunity to retrain, upskill, and unlock their full potential.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Whether you’re a resident in search of new qualifications or a business looking to enhance the skills of your workforce, these courses are a great opportunity to assist people in their career journey.
“This is a program that has been designed to provide vital skills and qualifications that are in high demand across a variety of industries. They can boost business productivity, enhance staff skills, increase employability, and help individuals obtain new qualifications.
“I would urge local people and businesses to take full advantage of this offer and secure their place before it is too late.”
Some of the courses on offer include wind turbine training, bespoke electrical, scaffolding and industrial, Forklift licence, welding, mechanical and electrical engineering, painting and decorating and more.
These fully funded courses, delivered through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), are offered free of charge to both employed and unemployed participants.
To be eligible for this program, you must be 19 years or older, live or work in North Lincolnshire, and be eligible to work in the UK.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/pressmaster Community orchard set for Market Rasen
The Rasen Area Environment Group’s bid to establish a community orchard has been approved as part of Lincolnshire County Council’s Coronation Community Orchard Project, funded by Defra’s Coronation Living Heritage Fund.
This development marks a significant step forward in creating a vibrant, multi-functional green space, that will benefit both the local environment and the community.
The Market Rasen Community Orchard project aims to plant a diverse array of 84 fruit trees across two key locations in Market Rasen.
Most trees will be planted at Mill Road Park, creating a substantial community orchard space, including apples, pears, plums, medlars, and mulberry, while a select number of mature specimen trees will be planted in the front area of De Aston field, enhancing the existing recreational space near the benches.
With a focus on Lincolnshire varieties, the orchard will not only promote biodiversity and support wildlife but also provide a source of fresh, locally grown, produce for residents.
Cllr Stephen Bunney, Chair of both the Environment and Sustainability Member Working Group at West Lindsey District Council and of the Rasen Area Environment Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. He said: “This community orchard represents a fantastic opportunity for Market Rasen.
“It will enhance our local environment, provide educational opportunities, and create a beautiful space for residents to enjoy. We’re grateful for the support of the Coronation Community Orchard Grant in making this vision a reality.”
Key features of the Market Rasen Community Orchard project include:
- Planting of 84 fruit trees, with a preference for Lincolnshire varieties
- Creation of habitats for pollinators and other wildlife
- Community involvement in planting, maintaining, and enjoying the orchard
- Educational opportunities for sustainable horticultural practices
- An ongoing maintenance commitment from dedicated volunteers
Skegness theatre transformation gets under way
Alliance Leisure has begun the transformation of the historic Embassy Theatre in Skegness to turn it into one of the UK’s first Scandinavian-inspired ‘culture houses’ by the end of April this year.
This redevelopment supports East Lindsey District Council’s vision to enhance local engagement with the arts, celebrate diversity, and create a venue with year-round appeal.
Works on this project are being delivered through the UK Leisure Framework, bringing together a proven team of leisure development specialist including Universal Construction and LK2 Architects. Axiom is overseeing day to day project management, with Alliance Leisure responsible for the overall project delivery.
The project incorporates two new single-storey extensions, adding to the venue’s current footprint. Works will include significant upgrades to seating within the auditorium, enhanced backstage access and facilities, the creation of a new feature entrance and a multi-purpose space to the rear of the building.
Andy Newman, Director at LK2 Architects, said: “The Embassy improvements are based on the founding design principles of the Scandinavian ‘culture house’. The development will provide larger areas for multi-use operations for Arts, Culture and Theatre use.
“The design provides a visible and attractive frontage with light airy arrival spaces offering maximum functionality and appeal to encourage the public to engage with the arts whilst providing new and refurbished staff and theatre areas to improve existing operations.”
These latest works, funded through the Towns Fund, Arts Council England and East Lindsey District Council capital, form part of the Skegness Connected Coast Town Deal and Arts Council England’s Cultural Development Fund project.
Councillor Steve Kirk, the council’s champion for the project, says: “I am delighted to see another of our transformational Towns Fund projects getting underway in Skegness, and cannot wait to enjoy the cultural offer and opportunities it brings first-hand.
“This project will help to allow residents and holiday-goers alike access to the highest quality of performances, workshops and more, and provide a platform for new creative businesses to develop and grow in East Lindsey and attract more visitors throughout the year.
“Working with Alliance Leisure, through the UK Leisure Framework, gives us confidence that the project will be delivered on time and on budget. The timing of this project is absolutely critical. We need to be able to welcome visitors back into the main auditorium at the beginning of March because from that point on the theatre has a full schedule of shows booked.”
Council throws its weight behind farmers’ objections to inheritance tax
West Lindsey District has thrown its weight behind opposition to the Government’s changes to inheritance tax, which it says will have devastating impacts on rural communities, food security, and environmental conservation.
The council is to write to Chancellor Rachel Reeves deploring the decision to scrap Agricultural Property Relief, which has been instrumental in allowing British family farms to remain intact across generations, supporting food security, sustaining rural communities, and aiding environmental stewardship.
It is estimated to impact over 70,000 family farms, leaving the average farming family with a tax bill of at least £240,000. It forces many to sell portions of their land or close entirely, paving the way for corporate ownership and lifestyle buyers over family ownership.
Cllr John Barrett put forward a motion to full council in which he said: “This Council believes this inheritance tax will have severe impacts on food security. Selling off land or closing farms will risk our national food independence when global stability is already fragile. British family farms are critical to ensuring a steady supply of homegrown food.”
He added: “This is something that is close to my heart. About 60 years ago I had a number of relatives who had small farms up in West Yorkshire. A similar thing happened and they now have no farms and they had to sell up to developers.”
North Lincolnshire’s Imagination Library delivers millionth book
The Imagination Library scheme in North Lincolnshire has reached a major milestone, delivering its millionth book.
This achievement was celebrated with a special event at Live Well Isle of Axholme, where families, schools and Imagination Library author and illustrator Neil Clark gathered to mark the success of the initiative.
The child who received the millionth book was presented with a raft of prizes at the event including a family ticket to see Pirates Love Underpants at the Baths Hall in June donated by Norwell Lapley Productions.
Since its launch in 2013 more than one million free books have now been delivered to over 27,000 local children, with North Lincolnshire delivering a sixth of all Imagination Library books in the whole of the UK.
The scheme has made a profound impact on young readers and their families in North Lincolnshire, helping to ensure every child has access to quality literature and the opportunity to develop essential reading skills before they start school.
North Lincolnshire Council will continue to fund the scheme, which delivers a free book each month to every child under five, supporting them to develop a love of books and reading for pleasure.
For many children, the Imagination Library books are their first introduction to the joys of reading, helping to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “The Imagination Library has become a crucial part of our efforts to support families and children in North Lincolnshire and this milestone reflects the dedication of everyone involved.
“We are committed to ensuring that every child in our area has the opportunity to thrive, and reading is a key part of that journey.”
Data shows that children in North Lincolnshire who are registered with the Imagination Library perform better at the end of Early Years Foundation Stage, in the phonics screening check and in assessments at the end of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children, families, and communities, added: “This is a proud moment for North Lincolnshire, it’s fantastic to see the joy that the Imagination Library brings to families. Every book delivered is a step forward in helping to nurture a love of reading, which is vital for a child’s development.
“We’re so pleased to be part of such a positive initiative, and we look forward to continuing to support our young readers and their families.”
The event at Live Well Isle of Axholme brought together families who have benefitted from the scheme – including those who received the very first books delivered in 2013, along with local schools and organisations who have supported its success.
Helen Hastle, regional director for the Dollywood Foundation UK, said: “I would like to congratulate staff and volunteers at North Lincolnshire Council at all levels for their commitment, enthusiasm and vision to reach the one million Imagination Library books mailed milestone.
“What an achievement, bringing the joy of books and reading to so many children, with many building a fabulous home library from birth. You are our first programme partner to reach this milestone in the UK.”
It is completely free to join North Lincolnshire’s Imagination library and siblings can register individually to each receive their own age appropriate book every month. Every child receives The Tale of Peter Rabbit as a welcome book with a special message from Dolly Parton in the front.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Rawpixel.com 