When Joe was diagnosed with prostate cancer in November 2020, little did he know that a book club would provide him with a lifeline to help cope with living with the disease.
Joe, a retired headteacher from Lincoln was not prepared for the effects hormone therapy would have on his body as he tried to cope with hot flushes, emotional turmoil, sleeplessness and reduction of masculine parts.
He found the book club, run by Annie Theed, a Macmillan breast cancer care co-ordinator at the Breast Cancer Clinic in Boston Pilgrim Hospital, a wonderful way to talk about coping with cancer.
Joe said: “I was undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy and then two of my brothers died in 2022 from cancer, one very unexpectedly and it became an emotional time for me.
“I soon realised that reading offered a welcome distraction from the stress and anxiety of living with cancer even if for a short time. It also gave me the chance to talk to others going through similar circumstance as myself.
“It is something to look forward to when the book drops through the letterbox. Some books I enjoy and other less so. It’s a subjective thing – we are unique individuals with different likes, dislikes and hobbies but with one thing in common – cancer.”
The book club was started in 2020 by Annie to keep in touch with patients diagnosed with cancer during the COVID pandemic.
Annie said: “We quickly realised that many of our patients were isolated, with no contact from anyone. So, with the help of funding from United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity, we started the book club.
“Five years later and the club has grown to become a vital online meeting place for cancer patients providing up-to-date information and support for its members. Annie has created a family atmosphere where people feel relaxed and can talk openly.”
Charity manager, Ben Petts is delighted in the Book Club’s success. He said: “As the club meets online, it means anyone in Lincolnshire with a cancer diagnosis can join. The cost of a book could be a lot for some families to find each month; yet by providing this funding, we have ensured the book club is inclusive to everyone.
“The book club is just one project supported by United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity. Thanks to the generosity of people living and working in Lincolnshire, we can support the county’s hospitals to deliver outstanding care to patients and their families by funding those extras that cannot be provided by the NHS alone.”
For more information, please visit their website: www.ulhcharity.org.uk
Once overlooked in favour of sunnier European spots, the seaside town of Cleethorpes is experiencing a long-awaited resurgence, thanks to an £18.4 million investment from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
The North East Lincolnshire resort, perched on the Humber estuary, is undergoing major regeneration works aimed at refreshing its appeal for locals and tourists alike. The funds are being used to redesign key public areas, including the Pier Gardens, which will be transformed into a vibrant recreational zone with a new playground, water features, performance space, and reflective gardens.
Cleethorpes’ Market Place is also getting a makeover, with plans to create a flexible area for markets and pop-up events, enhanced lighting for safety, and a new green corridor connecting St Peters Avenue to the seafront. Restaurants will be able to expand their dining areas outdoors, while landscaping will help soften the town’s coastal winds.
One of the most ambitious elements is a new three-storey landmark building at the former Waves site, offering modern public facilities and commercial space just opposite the town’s iconic pier.
This latest funding builds on earlier local improvements to Sea View Street and Cleethorpes Beach. The town also draws significant crowds for events like Armed Forces Weekend, which last year attracted over 350,000 visitors, solidifying its growing reputation as a destination on the rise.
Over 400 people gathered in Mablethorpe on Thursday 12 June to celebrate the official launch of the Campus for Future Living – a new development designed to boost health, wellbeing, skills, and innovation across the region.
Located on Stanley Avenue, the Campus is owned by East Lindsey District Council, is operated by Acis Group, and represents a multi-million-pound investment in the area’s future.
The building, made possible following £8.6m Town’s Fund Government funding secured in August 2022, spans over 1,400 square metres and houses state-of-the-art facilities, training spaces, consultation rooms, and a community café.
The launch event drew hundreds of local residents, families, and stakeholders from across the region. Visitors were treated to a day packed with free activities, including health checks, healthcare demos, food tastings, interactive stalls, and taster sessions showcasing the courses and support services available at the site.
A key moment of the day was the ceremonial ribbon cutting, led by Victoria Atkins, MP for Louth and Horncastle, and local resident Luke.
Councillor William Gray, portfolio holder of communities and better ageing at East Lindsey District Council, said: “The Campus for Future Living is a game-changer for Mablethorpe. To see so many people turn out, curious and excited about what’s ahead, is exactly why this space was funded by the Government following a successful bid from East Lindsey District Council and Connected Coast.
“It’s more than a building – it’s a hub of opportunity, learning and support that will make a lasting difference to people’s lives. I’m really excited for the possibilities the Campus will bring to Mablethorpe, the partnerships it will create and the opportunities it will open for local people.”
Claire Woodward, director of community development at Acis Group, added: “We’re absolutely thrilled to see the Campus launch so positively and to welcome hundreds of people through the doors. This is a place designed with the community at its heart – and whether it’s for a course, a coffee, or a conversation, everyone is welcome. The level of engagement we saw on launch day proves how vital this space will be for the local area.”
Image credit: East Lindsey District Council / Acis Group
National Coastwatch, the maritime charity dedicated to the preservation and protection of life at sea and around our coastline, is establishing a presence on Cleethorpes seafront for at least the next 12 months.
The daylight surveillance organisation has re-purposed its NCI Exhibition trailer into a fully-equipped, mobile surveillance station that will be sited in the car park at Cleethorpes Leisure Centre, operating as a watch station over the beach and the estuary.
Established in 1994 in Cornwall, the organisation has 61 permanent stations around the UK coastline manned by over 2,800 fully trained volunteer watchkeepers, reporting to the Coastguard.
There are East Coast stations in Chapel-St-Leonards, Mablethorpe and Skegness, but this will be the first time there has been a prolonged presence at Cleethorpes.
Twenty four new volunteers have already been recruited and have been attending training sessions at the Black Gull on Grimsby Docks since November last year, conducted by training officers from NCI stations at Mablethorpe and Skegness. The Cleethorpes station will be fully operational in time for Armed Forces Day.
The re-purposing of the trailer into a fully-equipped, surveillance operation has been made possible by a donation from the Stelios Foundation (EasyJet founder).
Local suppliers have been used for the work and watchkeepers from the two stations have also contributed time and skills to the Cleethorpes project. It will be led by Ian Whalley MBE, NCI trustee and station manager at Skegness, and his colleague NCI sector manager Rob Druce, who will be the interim station manager.
Ian Whalley said: “Cleethorpes is a very popular resort with high footfall. There is clear evidence of a need for an extra pair of hands as this area is acknowledged as a dangerous shoreline.
“The resort is adjacent to busy shipping lanes and there is also a yacht club and an RNLI station, so it is an ideal location for Coastwatch to offer a helping hand.
“We have chosen a location in the car park at Cleethorpes Leisure Centre that gives us a clear sightline along the beach and out into the estuary. During the summer months especially, thousands of people use the beach and, with fast incoming and outgoing tides, some people find themselves in trouble.
“As the station comes up to full complement, surveillance cameras will be deployed to expand and extend the safety surveillance capability.
“Watchkeepers act as an extra pair of eyes and we have close relationships with His Majesty’s Coastguard, the RNLI, the Border Force and the emergency services so that we can alert them to vulnerable situations.
“This can be anything from children and adults who get into trouble in the water to vessels in distress, water pollution or hazards to mariners, such as trees or pallets in the water.
“A presence in Cleethorpes is something we have been working towards for some years and we are very happy to be in the resort in time for Armed Forces Day, which will undoubtedly be an extremely busy time, but will also give us the opportunity for vital fundraising and recruitment.”
Cllr Hayden Dawkins, portfolio holder for culture, heritage and the visitor economy, North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome National Coastwatch to Cleethorpes. As a busy tourist resort we welcome their presence in providing extra assistance to the coastguard, RNLI and emergency services in keeping our residents and visitors safe as they enjoy our coastline.”
Plans to build new affordable homes for people on the council housing register in South Kesteven have been given the go-ahead with permission granted for a development in Market Deeping.
Eleven properties, including one- and two-bedroom flats and two-bedroom houses will be built at Wellington Way.
Cabinet member for housing, cllr Virginia Moran, said: “The SKDC Housing Register shows a need for 195 affordable rental units in Market Deeping, and this positive outcome will go part of the way to addressing this.
“I am incredibly pleased that we are now able to get to work and make progress on this scheme, we aim to appoint a contractor in September who can start construction during November 25.
“It is our policy to do what we can to meet all housing needs, across the wider community, which is why we have included a range of accommodation here. And it’s for those who need it the most – people on our own Housing Register who are waiting for somewhere new to live.
“We believe this development will improve the quality of the remaining green area through landscaping, tree planting and improved accessibility – and the overall project will encourage wider biodiversity.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Jo Panuwat D
Storing tomatoes properly can make all the difference to their flavour and shelf life, and no, the fridge isn’t always the answer.
Tomatoes keep best at room temperature, ideally on a kitchen worktop away from heat sources like ovens. For better airflow and to prevent bruising, lay them out on a flat dish instead of piling them into a bowl. Removing the stems can also help them stay plump, as the stems tend to draw out moisture.
Once they’ve fully ripened, especially during warmer months, a short stint in the fridge can slow spoilage. If you do refrigerate ripe tomatoes, let them return to room temperature before eating to bring back their flavour.
Storing tomatoes stem side down can also help retain moisture and protect the scar from bacteria, both key to keeping them fresher, longer.
Following criticism of last year’s concert accessibility at Lincoln Castle, significant improvements have been made to enhance the experience for attendees with disabilities.
The changes come after Richard Adams, a wheelchair user and advocate behind the Facebook page Disabled in Lincoln, highlighted issues during the 2023 Kaiser Chiefs concert. He flagged concerns over poor views, inaccessible toilets, and obstructions within the designated accessibility lane.
In response, event organisers Cuffe & Taylor have introduced several updates ahead of this year’s summer lineup. These include a raised accessible platform with clearer sightlines to the stage, a relocated accessible area closer to toilets and entrances, a dedicated team to manage accessibility needs, and a new drop-off zone located closer to the venue.
Adams, who visited the site ahead of this year’s concerts, commended the organisers for taking the feedback seriously and making tangible changes. He plans to return this summer to enjoy upcoming performances by The Human League and UB40, featuring Ali Campbell.
The venue upgrades signal a positive shift in making large-scale events more welcoming for all, especially those with mobility challenges.
Image shows Lincoln Castle. Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/chrisdorney
Nationwide and Dementia UK’s free face-to-face clinics are returning to Nationwide branches in Lincolnshire, offering specialist support in a safe, comfortable and private space for people to discuss any aspect of dementia.
Hosted by Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses, the clinics are open to anyone impacted by dementia, offering life-changing support to families and individuals in the area. The clinics will take place over the next month, and appointments can be booked via Dementia UK’s website.
The clinics will offer practical and emotional advice on all aspects of dementia – from worries about memory problems, understanding a diagnosis and how the condition can progress to help with financial and legal issues.
Ahead of the appointments, Dementia UK, the specialist dementia nursing charity, has shared tips on how to discuss dementia with a loved one and encourage them to visit their GP if they are showing signs or symptoms of the condition. Someone develops dementia every three minutes in the UK, and it is often a challenge to obtain an accurate diagnosis of dementia.
Tackling tough conversations – tips on speaking to someone who is showing signs of dementia from Admiral Nurses:
Act – if the person suddenly becomes upset or frustrated with themselves, this can be a good opportunity to have a conversation with them about the symptoms they are experiencing and if they’d like support with seeking help
Explain – the signs and symptoms of dementia are often shared with other conditions. Explaining this, and encouraging the person to seek advice from their GP can be less daunting than suggesting they seek a diagnosis of dementia. You can also explain that a prompt diagnosis of dementia will help them seek the right support sooner
Support – seeking support can be tough, and people will appreciate help in arranging the appointment and attending it. You can also help them to keep a symptom diary which will support a healthcare professional to make an accurate and timely diagnosis
To book a confidential and in-person appointment with an Admiral Nurse in Lincolnshire, visit Dementia UK’s website. The clinics will visit Lincoln (17th, 18th and 19th June), Grantham (26th June) and Grimsby (1st, 2nd and 3rd July).
Ruby Guild, Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK, said: “We’re looking forward to returning to Lincolnshire. Nationwide branches offer a safe and private space for people to access specialist support for dementia, and the Fairer Futures partnership is helping us bring face-to-face support to people in a familiar location.”
Debbie Crosbie, Chief Executive Officer of Nationwide, said: “Nationwide wants to help people live their best life possible, for as long as possible. By working with Dementia UK to fund more Admiral Nurses and turning our branches into dementia clinics, we’re helping to tackle the country’s leading cause of death.
“As a mutual, we work for the good of society as well as our members. We believe this and Nationwide Fairer Futures will change hundreds of thousands of lives for the better.”
Image shows Ruby Guild, Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK
Mainstream schools across Lincolnshire are preparing to welcome more students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as part of a £7.2 million plan to expand specialist support in the region.
Thirteen schools, five council-run primaries, six primary academies, and two secondary academies are set to receive dedicated SEND facilities. These new spaces will feature tailored areas and trained staff to support better students who need additional help. With demand for special education places rising sharply and current specialist schools at capacity, the move aims to ease pressure while keeping students in their local communities.
The initiative is designed to create 200 extra school spaces, with ambitions to roll out up to 20 specialist units across the county. While the council will oversee improvements in state schools, academies will manage their upgrades. Most of the funding comes from the Department for Education, with the remaining £1.2 million covered by Lincolnshire County Council.
By strengthening support within mainstream settings, the council hopes to reduce reliance on costly placements at independent schools and keep more families closer to home.
The plans will be reviewed by the Children’s and Culture Scrutiny Committee on 20 June, with final approval expected shortly after.
Get ready for one of Lincoln’s most exhilarating annual events – the 2025 Lincoln Dragon Boat Race is back and bigger than ever! Mark your calendars for Saturday, 12th July, as the Brayford Waterfront transforms into a vibrant hub of competition, community, and celebration.
Teams from across the region will battle it out in a day packed with thrilling races, all set against the stunning backdrop of Lincoln’s waterfront. Whether you’re in the boat or cheering from the sidelines, it’s guaranteed to be a day full of high energy and heart-pounding excitement.
More Than Just Racing – A Full Day of Family Fun
The Dragon Boat Race isn’t just for competitors – it’s a fantastic day out for the whole family! Enjoy:
🎶 Live performances from the Lincoln Rock Choir
🎨 Free face painting by Lollipops Facepainting
🎪 Circus skills workshops and interactive dragon displays
🐉 Plus loads more entertainment and activities for all ages
Join the Fun – Everyone’s Invited!
Not racing? No problem! Bring your friends and family, cheer on the teams, explore the festivities, and enjoy an unforgettable summer day by the water.
📍 Date: Saturday, 12th July
📍 Location: Brayford Waterfront, Lincoln
📍 Time: Races begin at 11 AM
To find out more click here.
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