- Insertion of a new staircase
- Installation of internal lighting
- Brickwork repairs
- Metalwork repairs
- Paintwork
- Roofing
- Floor repairs
- Drainage
- Interpretation panels
ABP seeks Listed Building Consent for Grimsby’s unique Dock Tower
Listed Building Consent has been sought for conservation works on Grimsby’s iconic Dock Tower landmark, the only one of its kind in the country.
Owners ABP wants to embark on key structural repairs on the parapets, building of a new staircase, and drainage. If approved by North East Lincolnshire Council, work could start on the historical structure later this year in the hope it can reopen to the public.
Simon Bird, Regional Director of the Humber ports, said: “It was during some routine maintenance work that it was picked up some of the further works that needed to be done to ensure the tower remains safe and accessible for the future.
“The Dock Tower is the jewel in the Port of Grimsby. It has been a beacon to so many over the years and for Grimbarians it is a symbol of home. As its custodians we have over the years spent time and money maintaining it, as it has such architectural historic value, and will be here for many more years to come once these essential works are carried out.”
Jenny Bulmer, Conservation Engineer of Alan Wood & Partners said: “Opportunities to work on such a unique and historically significant building as this come about rarely. Being able to discover some of the building archaeology and the history of its use throughout the process is a real privilege. Getting to see the tower brought back to life with a renewed purpose is something we can all look forward to.”
Standing 309 feet (94.2m) tall to the top of the lantern, the tower was finished on 27 March 1852 to power the hydraulic machinery of Grimsby docks. Its height was to achieve the sufficient pressure needed to operate the machines.
It was built by James Meadows Rendel, the civil engineer who constructed the docks at Grimsby between 1844 and 1853 and opened by Queen Victoria when she visited the port in October 1854. The designer was James William Wild, an architect born in Lincoln.
The current plans submitted include:
Archaeological dig at historic Fulbeck Manor hoping to unearth military heritage
An archaeological dig at historic Fulbeck Manor is hoping to unearth airborne forces military heritage at a key WW2 location.
The Digging Market Garden project (15-17 August) is part of South Kesteven District Council’s 80th anniversary commemorations of the battle of Arnhem – Operation Market Garden – the largest airborne landing in history.
There is also a talk on British, American and Polish paratroopers’ presence in South Kesteven in the village hall at 7pm on Friday (16 August) by military heritage specialist Brian Riley. By Air to Battle: South Kesteven’s Airborne Heritage is free to attend with tickets bookable via Ticket Tailor https://bit.ly/skdc-byairtobattle
The village hall will stage a military heritage exhibition on Saturday (17 August) between 10am and 4pm.
The dig is a partnership between the Council and Oxford University, the University of Lincoln, Wings to the Past and Operation Nightingale, assisting the recovery of wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans through involvement in archaeological investigations.
Maj General Roy Urquhart, Commander of the British First Airborne Division, was billeted in the Manor in the 1944 build up to battle with engineering units in the stables – now Fulbeck Craft Centre.
Maj Urquhart’s daughter Judy Urquhart is making a special visit to Fulbeck where she will be introducing Brian Riley’s talk.
Archaeologists, serving and forces veteran dig volunteers will be on site between 10am – 4pm, looking at the sites of former Nissen huts with the public invited to observe.
Cllr Richard Dixon Warren, SKDC Armed Forces champion, said: “This is an incredible opportunity to learn more about Fulbeck’s very special backstory linked to the British First Airborne Division. We are very much hoping that the dig will act as a springboard to more archaeological explorations.”
Tim Clack, the Chingiz Gutseriev Associate Professor of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Oxford, said: “Operation Market Garden is one of the most controversial episodes of the Second World War
“Our Digging Market Garden project offers a unique opportunity to unearth some of the hidden heritage and backstory of the operation.
“Starting in the grounds of the picturesque Fulbeck Manor, the project aims to tell a previously untold part of Market Garden. This is the story of the daily routine, preparations, training, and life amidst the local community of airborne forces prior to their departure for combat.
“It is incredibly fitting that in bringing this past to life, the project team comprises archaeologists and historians with strong links to the local area as well as veterans and service personnel. To be able to start this project in the 80th anniversary year of the Operation Market Garden makes it especially poignant.
“As an Allied offensive, Market Garden aimed to circumvent the strongest of the German defences, avoid the casualties of a broad front approach, and held the prospect of accelerating the defeat of Hitler’s regime.
“The operation involved the largest airborne landing in history, courageous and daring assaults and heroic defences, but, ultimately, a series of strategic mistakes ensured its failure.”
Fulbeck Arnhem Event:
15-17 August. Digging Market Garden archaeological excavation: Fulbeck Manor. 10am-4pm.
16 August. By Air to Battle: South Kesteven’s Airborne Heritage; Illustrated talk. Fulbeck Village Hall. 7pm.
17 August. Military memorabilia exhibition. Fulbeck Village Hall. 10am-4pm. Free entry.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Mariana Rusanovschi
Husband and wife make £10,000 donation to thank hospital team
Robert and Maureen Macdonald have donated £10,000 to purchase lifesaving equipment to say thank you to the hospital team who resuscitated her.
Maureen suffers from atrial fibrillation (AF), a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate. As a result she has had several visits to the Emergency Department at Pilgrim hospital and to the Acute Cardiac Unit.
Maureen said: “I have AF and I cannot control it. I have also had a pacemaker and four stents fitted. Sometimes my heart rhythm just flips out and there is nothing I can do. It is just so exhausting and makes me so tired.
“I have had several trips to the hospital and stays on the Acute Cardiac Unit. I can honestly say they are the most amazing team. I owe them my life, without them I would not be here today.”
On Friday 5 April, Maureen’s heart stopped while she was in hospital. Staff on the unit were joined by the Critical Care Outreach team who all worked together to perform CPR and successfully resuscitated Maureen.
Maureen said: “The only thing I can remember is that as I came back, Deputy Sister Molly Parker was holding my hand and telling me that everything was going to be OK.
“Thanks to all of their efforts and care I was then able to attend my daughter Zoe’s wedding just a couple of months later. They gave me the gift of life and time. How can you put a price on that? Thank you just didn’t seem enough.”
Towards the end of April staff at the hospital held a 12 hour CPR-a-thon to raise funds to purchase a machine that performs mechanical chest compressions if a person has a cardiac arrest and CPR is prolonged.
The hospital already had a LUCAS CPR Chest Compression System machine within the Emergency Department to help to resuscitate patients, however on occasions this had not been available for use in other parts of the hospital. So the team organised the event which saw members of the Critical Care Outreach Team, the Hospital Out of Hours Team, the Acute Cardiac Unit Team and the Intensive Care Unit Team performing CPR for 12 hours non-stop on a mannequin.
Maureen heard about the event and had a chat with Robert.
She said: “I asked him what price he would put on my life? And when I suggested £10,000 he completely agreed that we would fund the device and donate the money.”
Robert added: “They have given us everything. As the saying goes ‘you cannot take it with you when you go’ and so we didn’t think twice. We just hope that it helps this amazing team to save even more lives, just like they did with Maureen.”
The Holbeach couple are both aged 82 and have been married for 62 years. They met at school and have two children and two grandchildren. Their daughter Zoe joined them on the visit to the hospital.
Acute Cardiac Unit Sister, Chelsea Spencer, said: “I am the proudest sister in the whole hospital. It is so special to see Maureen well today and not needing our care. We are all so moved and grateful for this amazing donation from the Macdonalds. But the best gift of all is getting to see Maureen as a visitor and not as a patient.”
Critical Care Outreach Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Hayley Head, organised the CPR-a-thon. She said: “Robert and Maureen’s support will help us to save lives. We couldn’t believe it when we heard all of the money had been raised. It was so emotional for all of us and when we realised it had come from the Macdonalds we were all so moved. They are an amazing couple and we have named this device ‘the Macs’ in recognition of their amazing generosity.”
The couple donated the money to the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity who then used the funds to purchase the device.
Fundraiser Gary Burr said: “Robert and Maureen are an amazing couple. In life you meet certain people who leave an imprint on your heart and they have certainly done that on the unit and within our charity team. They are like a ray of sunshine who bring joy and laughter wherever they go. We will never be able to thank them enough for their amazing generosity.”
A couple of days after the visit, ‘the Macs’ was used for the first time and helped to save a patient’s life.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG
Police called in to probe ashes irregularities at Lincoln Crematorium
City of Lincoln Council has called in the Police to look into suggestions that staff at Lincoln Crematorium have not dealt with the burial of ashes in accordance with the wishes of the families of the deceased.
An investigation into one of six alleged cases has begun, and he council has commissioned an urgent inspection of the facility by the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities.
Angela Andrews, Chief Executive of City of Lincoln Council, said: “I am shocked and distraught to confirm that a small number of families did not receive the level of care and service they and their loved ones deserved, and rightly expected, in relation to the burial of their loved ones’ ashes.
“They were let down at a time when they needed the high level of dedication and professionalism that our crematorium team has always been proud to provide.
“I have personally visited or spoken to the six families identified as being directly affected by this situation, to work out how we can best help them through this difficult time and to offer our deepest apologies.
“I have been humbled by the responses I received from these families, and we are working with them to agree on lasting tributes to their loved ones.
“We have brought in experienced industry professionals to support the operation of Lincoln Crematorium and ensure we can continue to deliver a committed and professional service. I can reassure anyone using this service that the high standards required are being met.
“I would like to reassure those who have previously used the crematorium that there is no evidence of any other families being affected, other than those we have already been in contact with.
“This situation came to light thanks to concerns raised by council staff. We have launched a thorough internal investigation into what happened, and how it happened, and our initial findings have been shared with Lincolnshire Police who are now investigating one of the incidents.
“While a police investigation is ongoing, it is not possible for me to say any more. We will also be conducting a full internal review into the crematorium’s processes and procedures and will provide a further update on this in due course.
“I would like to reiterate how deeply sorry I am to all those affected by what has happened.”
Grantham runner steps out in aid of Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) is saying a big thank you to a Grantham runner who has raised over £3,000 for the charity’s life-saving work and is already planning her next race.
Since her first run in 2021, Rachel has taken part in two Great North Runs and last year’s London Landmarks half Marathon. She is currently training for her third Great North Run with her daughter, Jess, which is taking place on 8 September in Newcastle.
Rachel Hamilton has run numerous races in support of LNAA over the years. She said: “As a family we have needed the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance not once but twice. I ran the Great North Run in 2022 in memory of my dear dad who we sadly lost eight years ago and for my aunty, Jane Gosbee, when she was involved in a road traffic incident in 2021. Without the help of the crew she may not be here today.”
Georgia Watson, Events Manager, has full admiration for Rachel for her fundraising efforts. She said: “It is fantastic, what Rachel has achieved in the last few years. As a charity, Lincs & Notts relies on its supporters like Rachel to raise the £13million needed to keep our Air Ambulance and fleet of Critical Care Cars operational.”
Farmers, landowners, and managers are being asked their opinions on how wildlife can be best conserved and enhanced across the landscapes of Greater Lincolnshire.
Their opinions will help develop a Local Nature Recovery Strategy that shapes how nature can recover, and which guides opportunities for funding to work with, or restore nature, on swathes of Lincolnshire through Biodiversity Net Gain and Environmental Land Management Schemes.
Cllr Colin Davie, executive member for environment at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Putting together a Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Lincolnshire will help to identify suitable locations for nature recovery activities in the future, and in turn, tap into funding for these activities that will help deliver the strategy’s goals.
“With your help, the strategy has the potential to steer opportunities for nature-based solutions such as flood risk management and sequestering carbon through new trees, woodlands and healthier soils.”
He added: “We need you to ensure The Greater Lincolnshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy is realistic and achievable, while still protecting food security for future generations.” He encouraged farmers and landowners to take part in a 15-minute survey on the Lincolnsire County Council web site.
Free craft workshops support revamped Market Place in Grantham
Free craft workshops and wandering street performers will bring fun activities to the newly-revamped Market Place in Grantham.
The drop-in events are open to all and will guide visitors as they create huge, colourful lanterns ahead of a community festival planned for the autumn.
They will be supported by entertainment from professional theatre companies, bringing performance, puppetry and music to the streets.
Deputy Leader of South Kesteven District Council, Cllr Paul Stokes, who is also Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, said: “It’s a real pleasure to be able to host a series of events and entertainment in Grantham town centre as we look forward to more of the same when the roadworks have moved away.
“The pop-up workshops and street theatre will build towards a community festival and parade in October when the lanterns we create will be used to celebrate Grantham and its wide and diverse communities, their past and their future.
“Participants will also be invited to share their memories of Grantham, which will form part of the final event, and we look forward to hearing their thoughts.”
It is part of the activity connected with the rebuild of Market Place, supported by funding from the Future High Street Fund of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, which is bringing an open community space where people can meet, chat, eat and shop.
Emilie Nunn, who is organising the craft workshops, said: “Everyone is welcome to join us as we get ready for Grantham’s Festival of Community by creating lanterns to form part of the Festival parade.
“We’re also inviting people to pop along and share memories and stories of Grantham’s past during our free drop-in workshops. Everyone is welcome!”
In addition to the scheduled workshops, Emilie is running two events with community groups who would find attending a drop-in event difficult, with the dates and venues to be announced.
Pop-Up Community Workshop dates:
The Clock, 12-13 Westgate, Grantham, NG31 6LT (10am-3pm)
- Thursday 15th August
- Wednesday 21st August
- Saturday 24th August + Barmpot Theatre performances
- Monday 26th August
- Wednesday 28th August
- Saturday 31st August + street theatre performances
- Monday 19th August
Something for everyone at Burghley this summer
Summer is in full swing, meaning there are lots of exciting happenings at Burghley this month.
Something for everyone…
There is a sensational season of summer events & experiences lined up for families looking for the perfect day out, or if you are looking for something a little different.
Choose from a whole range of engaging and inspiring Children’s Workshops & Activities.
Make It Mondays
5, 12, 19 August | £5 per child
Time Travel Tuesdays
6, 13, 20 August | £5 per child
Wild Wednesdays
7, 14, 21 August | £5 per child
Beastly Boring Tours
5-17 August (excl. Fri & Sun) | £15 per person
Look out for pop-up events included for free with an Admission Ticket or Annual Pass.
Nature Trails in the Gardens
8, 15, 22 August | Included with Admission
Storytelling in Hide & Secrets
9, 16, 23 August | Included with Admission
Birds of Prey Day
11 August | Included with Admission
Learn something new at an expert-led adult workshop.
Sumi-e Japanese Ink Painting Workshop
Wednesday 14 August
Japanese Tea Ceremony Workshop Wednesday 11 September
Ikebana Workshop Thursday 12 September
Sculpture Workshop 15 September
The return of a summer favourite…
The Summer Fine Food Market will be showcasing the best of local and international food and drink on August Bank Holiday weekend.
Free admission and car parking at no charge. 10am to 4pm each day (24-26 August).
The world’s greatest 5* equestrian event…Defender Burghley Horse Trials
There is just over one month until the world’s best riders & horses compete for Defender Burghley glory in the historical grounds of the Parkland (5-8 September).
Witness equestrian eventing at its best, experience the finest shopping and hospitality, and create unforgettable memories with family and friends.
Everything you love at Burghley…one of the most magnificent stately homes in the country.
Visit Burghley House | Open daily (excl. Fridays) 10.30am – 4.30pm
Vibrant, atmospheric gardens filled with sculptures, surprises and sensational colour.
The Gardens | Open daily 10am – 5pm.
Endless hours of outdoor fun at Hide & Secrets Adventure Play!
Adventure Play | Open daily 10am – 5pm.
Want to visit Burghley again & again? Buy an Annual Pass today to take advantage of unlimited visits throughout the open season and experience everything Burghley has to offer, as often as you like.
Temporary Changes to Parkland Access
Parkland Access | 5 August to 20 September
The central access route through Burghley Parkland is to be closed to pedestrians from Monday 5 August to Friday 20 September. The restricted access is in place to ensure the safety of Park users during the site build and breakdown periods for the 2024 Defender Burghley Horse Trials. The restricted area will be clearly signposted at key points in the Park. The Main Visitor Entrance at Pilsgate Lodges on Barnack Road is unaffected.
Burghley House and all visitor facilities are open as normal, with the exclusion of the dates of the Defender Burghley Horse Trials (5-8 September) when all visitor facilities close for the event.
Alternative Pedestrian Route | 6 August to 1 September and 10 to 20 September
An alternative pedestrian route will be in place to provide access through the Parkland. The temporary pedestrian route operates 7am to 8pm from Tuesday 6 August to Sunday 1 September and Tuesday 10 to Friday 20 September. Please be aware this route is mainly on grass with some areas of uneven terrain.
Look out for the pop-up coffee van along the way which will be serving up delicious drinks and snacks next to the beautiful Lion Bridge.
The Parkland will fully reopen on 21 September.
New plan aims to plant 200,000 trees in Lincolnshire by 2026
In a landmark event at the Bowthorpe Oak near Bourne – reputed to be England’s oldest oak tree – Lincolnshire County Council and the Woodland Trust have officially launched the LincWoods project.
This ambitious initiative aims to plant 200,000 trees across Lincolnshire by 2026, significantly enhancing the region’s green spaces and biodiversity. It will mean over 130 football fields’ worth of new woodland and 20,000 metres of new hedgerows.
The Bowthorpe Oak is estimated to be over a thousand years old and boasts the widest girth of any oak to its kind in the UK at 13.38 metres.
The county council and Woodland Trust’s partnership agreement outlines a collaborative effort to deliver the MOREwoods and MOREhedges schemes to landowners across Lincolnshire. Through this initiative, landowners can receive funding and support for planting trees and hedges, contributing to the county’s environmental goals.
Cllr Martin Hill, Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. He said: “This partnership represents a significant step forward in our commitment to environmental sustainability. By collaborating with the Woodland Trust, we can profoundly impact our local landscape and biodiversity, ensuring Lincolnshire remains green and vibrant for future generations. In a thousand years, our descendants may well be standing in the shade of oaks planted by LincWoods. It’s an inspiring legacy.”
Paul Woodgate, Outreach Officer for the Woodland Trust, highlighted the importance of community involvement. He said:
“The LincWoods project is a fantastic opportunity for local landowners to play a crucial role in enhancing our natural environment. We are proud to support Lincolnshire County Council in this initiative and look forward to seeing the positive outcomes – for nature, people and climate – of our combined efforts. There will be free tree and hedgerow pack giveaway events this Autumn.”
The project offers substantial subsidies for tree and hedge planting. This funding from Lincolnshire County Council, combined with support from the Woodland Trust and Lloyds, ensures that the cost to landowners is minimised, encouraging widespread participation.
Lincoln’s London Camera Exchange organises unforgettable day of photography and wildlife at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Join an unforgettable day of photography and wildlife at the stunning Yorkshire Wildlife Park, organised by Lincoln’s London Camera Exchange.
On Saturday 14 September (09:30 – 18:00), experience the thrill of photography with Canon cameras and lenses. Get an exclusive first look and hands-on opportunity to test the new Canon EOS R1 and Canon EOS R5 Mark II.
There will be the latest photography gear from the EOS R series and RF lenses for you to try out during the day. Some items will be in high demand, so sharing may be necessary!
Danny Green, Canon Professional Photographer, will be present to offer expert advice and techniques for capturing the perfect animal shots. Danny will also go through a presentation on the day talking about his work and why he uses Canon cameras and lenses.
With limited spaces available, book now: https://www.lcegroup.co.uk/New/?Product=C1A6B18A-E62B-4BB5-B82B-1FA4FF48FD22
Ticket Price: £60, which includes access to Yorkshire Wildlife Park, the use of Canon equipment, hot & cold drinks throughout the day, and a meal at lunchtime.
