Just over a week to go until the 2024 Lincoln Dragon Boat Race!
The spectacular event, taking place on Saturday 15th June, has become one of the biggest in the City’s event calendar, attracting hundreds of spectators and competitors on the day along the Brayford Waterfront.
This year the event is raising money for Lincolnshire’s first responders LIVES and nearly 20 teams have signed up to take part on the day.
Teams include the two headliners Freedom Fire & Security and Siemens Energy as well as other local organisations from across Lincolnshire.
The event promises to be colourful and great fun, no previous experience is required, just plenty of team spirit!
As well as the boat racing there will also be plenty of family activities, food and drink stalls along the Brayford Waterfront for the whole family to enjoy, and there will also be a special performance from Rock Choir Lincolnshire from about 12.30pm on the day.
Teams are encouraged to raise money for LIVES through sponsorship and fundraising.
LIVES is a vital Lincolnshire charity who attend 999 medical emergencies across the county, 365 days a year. Whether they are providing rapid first response support on their doorstep, or highly specialised medical interventions to the most seriously ill patients, they all volunteer their time – for free – to save lives and be there when someone is having their worst day. The charity provide the equipment and training for the ever increasing need.
Charlie McCelland from LIVES said: “We are immensely excited to be announcing the Dragon Boat Race for 2024 after the success of previous year’s event. We need to raise over £1.4 million every year to ensure our highly skilled volunteers are there when a 999 call is made, when minutes matter. The Dragon Boat Race is a great day out and will entice some healthy competition between local businesses in order to raise these vital funds to keep our Emergency Responders on the road and continue saving lives in Lincolnshire.”
For further information and details for the day contact Alex Bennett alex.bennett@ringroselaw.co.uk or visit https://www.ringroselaw.co.uk/about/lincoln-dragon-boat-race/
Tributes paid to ‘cherished and deeply missed’ pilot who lost his life in flying accident
Tributes have been paid to 43-year-old Mark Long who died in a flying accident near Coningsby.
Squadron Leader Mark Sugden, Officer Commanding Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, said: “In life, we are occasionally privileged to meet incredible people like Mark. Mark touched the hearts of everyone that he met, always prioritising the needs of others before himself. The epitome of a military fighter pilot, he personified the very best of the Royal Air Force and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
“We were lucky to have him as part of the team and part of our BBMF family. Always a vision of calm, Mark faced life’s obstacles with a wry smile, a knowing nod and a pint of tea. Above all, he was a devoted husband and a proud father. Whilst words alone cannot adequately convey our loss, he will remain forever the best boss that BBMF never had.”
Wing Commander Andy Shaw, Officer Commanding 29 Squadron, said: “Mark was a humble, kind, generous family man as well as an outstanding fighter pilot, instructor, and Display Pilot. He inspired every single Typhoon pilot in the RAF, and taught many of them, bringing an infectious enthusiasm to every task. His loss will be keenly felt both throughout the Typhoon Force and by those who knew him in his Display and BBMF roles.
“Throughout, he mentored and cared for all those around him. Personally, he was a great support and friend to me as squadron commander but, more tellingly, he mentored many of our more junior members, some of whom have been selected to be trained as pilots themselves. As a member of 29 Squadron for the last decade, Squadron Leader Mark Long will be deeply missed, and our thoughts are with his family and those who loved him at this time.”
Group Captain Billy Cooper, Commander Air Wing, said: “My deepest condolences go out to Mark’s family and friends at this incredibly tragic and difficult time. Mark was a hugely respected fighter pilot, instructor, and friend, and one of the most talented aviators I have flown with. His service over many years has contributed such a huge amount to not only the operational effectiveness of the Typhoon Air Wing, but also had such a positive impact on the lives of so many. He was selected to be the Typhoon Display Pilot for the 2016 season, followed by his time with BBMF.“Nothing better demonstrates his outstanding skill as a pilot, his exemplary leadership, and his engaging and infectious personality than this unique achievement. Mark was the quintessential RAF Officer; respectful, humble, upbeat, and driven by an innate sense of service and professionalism and doing the right thing by others. His time as an instructor and leader has touched everybody on the Typhoon Air Wing and people’s lives are better because of him.”
Air Vice-Marshal Mark Flewin, Air Officer Commanding Number 1 Group, said: “I was deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic incident over the weekend and wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to Mark’s family and his loved ones. “A superbly talented Combat Air and Display Pilot, Mark inspired all those he met with his truly infectious energy, across both the Combat Air Force and all those serving at Royal Air Force Coningsby.“Having seen first-hand the difference Mark made within the Typhoon Force, the Display Wing, and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, I know his talent and energy will leave a lasting legacy, which will continue to be a source of inspiration for us all.”
While studying Economics at the University of Warwick, Mark learnt to fly on the University of Birmingham Air Squadron. He graduated from Initial Officer Training in 2003 and was subsequently sent to RAF Linton on Ouse to fly the Tucano, gaining his ‘wings’ in 2004. His Advanced Flying Training was on the Hawk and he was selected to remain on 208(R) Squadron to take on the role of an Instructor. On completion of his instructional tour, Mark converted to the Harrier GR7/9 and was posted to 1(F) Squadron, RAF Cottesmore. He was the last RAF Harrier pilot qualified to conduct operations off an aircraft carrier. In 2012 Mark joined the Typhoon Force, and was assigned to XI Squadron at RAF Coningsby, before an assignment to 29 Squadron in 2014 on instructional duties. In 2016 he was the Typhoon Display Pilot. His primary role was to teach the student pilots how to operate the Typhoon. In addition to his instructional duties, Mark contributed to RAF Coningsby’s primary task of defending UK sovereign airspace by undertaking Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties, both in the UK and in the British Forces South Atlantic Islands (Falklands Islands), and additionally conducting QRA duties whilst on Baltic Air Policing Operations in Lithuania. Mark lived in Lincolnshire with his wife, two daughters and dog. 2024 was his fourth season with the BBMF. Mark’s family said: “Mark lived his life with an unwavering passion with laughter, love, and dedication to his family. His talent for flying was there for all to see, and his ability to connect to everyone he met was infectious. Mark will be cherished and deeply missed by us all.”Billingham bags – the unsung hero in the world of photography
In the world of photography, where the focus is often on the camera and lens, there’s an unsung hero that deserves its spotlight: the camera bag. Among the plethora of options, Billingham bags stand out as a beacon of quality and craftsmanship.
Billingham’s journey began in 1973, in the West Midlands, with the vision of Ros and Martin Billingham. They sought to craft bags that blend functionality with elegance, and they succeeded spectacularly.
The hallmark of a Billingham bag is its materials, three layers of hardwearing waterproof fabric. This fabric has a butyl rubber in the middle that is impermeable to water. The bags also feature top grain leather and solid brass. This attention to detail and commitment to quality is what sets Billingham apart.
For photographers, a Billingham bag is not just a purchase; it’s an investment in a piece of history that will stand the test of time.
In an era where products are often mass-produced and disposable, Billingham’s dedication to quality is a refreshing reminder of the value of craftsmanship. Here’s to another 50 years of Billingham, where each stitch tells a story of passion, precision, and the pursuit of perfection.
Find your Billingham bag at London Camera Exchange in Lincoln.
RAF Coningsby to continue nigh flying until Friday
Night flying at RAF Coningsby will continue throughout this week, say the RAF, going on until about 1am.
Station commander Group Captain Paul O’Grady said operating under the cover of night is essential in modern military operations. He said: “Night Vision Goggles are a real tactical advantage and enable our crews to operate safely during the hours of darkness. Crews wear equipment which enhances ambient light conditions, allowing the RAF to operate into hostile or sparsely populated areas.
“RAF Coningsby is one of several stations that supports night flying. Because there are fewer hours of darkness during the summer, night flying begins later in the evening and continues into the early hours.
“I am conscious that night flying may impact the local community, but it is an essential part of the training required by RAF aircraft to support operations, and I thank you for your continued support.”
New orchard takes root in Wilsford
Working in partnership with the community, North Kesteven District Council has secured £15,100 in funding for a new community orchard to be planted in Wilsford this autumn.
Supporting the newly-formed Wilsford Community Orchard group, the Council submitted an application on their behalf to the King’s Coronation Living Heritage Fund and recently found out that it was successful. The funding will enable a 75-tree orchard to be planted.
The Coronation Living Heritage Fund is designed to mark the coronation of King Charles III by creating new spaces for nature, in particular the planting of trees that can be accessed by the community. It is provided by DEFRA.
Jacky Scott-Combes, a retired psychotherapist from Wilsford, had always thought a community orchard would be a great addition to the village. When she saw the funding opportunity advertised in an NKDC newsletter she sprang into action.
Jacky said: “I used to work at Rauceby Hospital and saw first-hand the value of the orchard that used to grow on the site. I’ve always remembered it and knew that a community orchard would be a brilliant asset for Wilsford.
“When I saw in a Council newsletter that this funding was available, I contacted NKDC who helped us get the funding. We couldn’t have got it without them.
“I put the word out about what was happening and quickly had around a dozen people involved – but there’s always room for more! We’re offering adopt-a-tree or dedicate-a-tree, and working with the East of England Orchard Project to see if we can plant heritage varieties from the area.
“We’re hoping to plant apples – including cider apples – plus pears, plums, cherries and maybe even nut species.”
Henry Tickler, a local farmer who was happy to be roped in to the scheme, has granted permission for a field of his to be used for the project.
The group have great ambitions to further develop the project and create even stronger community connections as a result.
Mrs Scott-Combes said: “Thanks to Mr Tickler, there’s plenty of land to do more than plant the orchard – we want to make it a real community space and could potentially even have a timber-framed building where we could hold events, have workshops and education opportunities, and even dementia and mental health-related activities.
“I’m just delighted that it’s happening. You hold a vision, and then eventually it starts to come together. We’ve got the time and the willingness to make it happen.”
NKDC Chairman Councillor Andrew Hagues, the ward Councillor for Leasingham, Cranwell and Wilsford, said: “I’m thrilled that the Council has been able to help this project come together in the way that it has. The possibilities are really exciting, and it’s just one example of how we want to help develop a ‘District of flourishing communities’.
“I take my hat off to Jacky and the team, and I think this is a great example for others to follow about what can be achieved when communities work together with the Council. It really is a village-led project, which I find inspiring, and I look forward to seeing how it develops in the coming months and years.”
Trees will be planted in the autumn, the time of year when it is best to do so, and more volunteers are invited to get in touch with the group and take part. There is also the opportunity to adopt or dedicate a tree, thus ensuring a lasting connection with the orchard.
Picture: Founding members of the Wilsford Community Orchard Group with Council Chairman Cllr Andrew Hagues. Image credit: North Kesteven District Council
New homes completed on previously abandoned Chapel St Leonards housing site
The development of 28 new homes for market sale have been recently completed on a previously abandoned housing site at Draycott Way, Chapel St Leonards.
The project, developed through East Lindsey District Council’s commercial company Invest East Lindsey, saw the completion of the first Council-delivered houses in over 20 years.
Planning approval for this stalled site was originally granted in the early 2000s. Invest refined the original outdated dormer style designs to provide a more contemporary appearance using a blend of brickwork, render and coloured windows and doors.
The project began following the acquisition of the partially built redundant housing site in April 2021.
The site clearance and building work carried out by Bowbridge Homes commenced in July 2021. Work progressed through a difficult period with Covid, Brexit and energy cost increases all impacting on timescales and the availability of materials and labour resources.
The development includes 2 3-bed bungalows, 11 3-bed houses, 4 2-bed bungalows and 11 2-bed houses.
The first sales completions were achieved in September 2022 and only 5 homes now remain for sale on the site.
Councillor William Gray, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing, said: “It is just amazing to see these homes finished with new residents moving in. We wanted to step in and help where challenges had been faced in the past and sites had been stalled.
“We have been able to help bring forward quality new homes for new buyers to East Lindsey and I hope this is the first of many we can build across the district.
“This is a new era for us, and I cannot wait to look at how we can develop more in the future.”
Andrew Sweeney, Housing Director at Invest East Lindsey, said: “We are delighted to see the site now fully developed and are thrilled to be able to deliver these homes on behalf of East Lindsey District Council. This has provided both new homes for people wanting to live in the area and redeveloped the old untidy site that existing residents have tolerated over many years.
“The properties have been built to a high quality and are situated in a good residential area in Chapel St Leonards, close to transport links, schools and shops. A footpath linking the development to the village centre facilities has also been included.
“These new homes contribute to helping meet the need for housing in the district and an ever-growing increase in demand across the whole of Lincolnshire.
“We are really pleased to welcome customers to their new homes and wish them many years of happiness in them.”
The project was funded through Invest East Lindsey.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Monkey Business
Plans to enhance wildlife and accessible greenspace in Gainsborough underway
A community nature project is currently being developed in the South West Ward, Gainsborough to create wildlife areas.
The Together Team, local residents, Lincolnshire Outdoor Learning, and a volunteer team from the Lincolnshire County Council Highways Partnership are leading on the project – thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Over the next eighteen months they will be planting wildflower seeds, pollutant-absorbing shrubs, and more native tree and hedge species. The work will be carried out on either-side of the Thorndike Way approach to the roundabout with Trinity Street and Ashcroft Road.
The project aims to: increase wildlife in the area, create more attractive and accessible greenspaces for the community, and enhance the appearance of this important gateway for Gainsborough.
Benjamin Adlard and Warren Wood schools are helping to grow more wildflowers and building bird boxes that will be used around the South-West Ward area.
Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Councillor Trevor Young, said: “I have been involved in this project since the initial discussions. I believe it will greatly enhance the South-West Ward, one of the most deprived areas in the country.
“Not only will it greatly improve biodiversity, but it will also provide local people with some much-needed green space to enjoy. The area has very little to offer to improve health and wellbeing. An increase in wildlife, colour and vibrancy will greatly enhance this gateway to Gainsborough.”
Barry Rooks, Together Team Leader, said: “It has taken over a year to get this project off the ground, it is so great to see it starting to take shape now.
“None of this would have been possible without the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, our fantastic resident volunteers, project partners, Voluntary Centre Services, Lincolnshire County Council, Highways Partnership, Balfour Beatty, Sunbelt, HTM Traffic Management, RMS, West Lindsey District Council and Gainsborough Town Council.”
Image courtesy of West Lindsey District Council
Freemasons bring charity ball to Lincolnshire for the first time – and raise at least £8,000 for good causes
About 300 Freemasons and friends packed into The Engine Shed in Lincoln for the first visit to Lincolnshire for the annual ball of the Freemasons’ charity the MCF, and generated more than £8,000 for good causes.
The numbers behind the work of the MCF are hard to comprehend because they are so large – but the good done by what they achieve is immeasurable. In the eight years since its formation, the charity has made grants of £130m. Said Chief Exec Les Hutchinson: “That’s about £50,000 a day, every day.” He told the audience: “That’s why you are crucial to the charity’s work. Your efforts are indispensable.”
That sentiment was echoed by Provincial Grand Master for Lincolnshire Dave Wheeler, who added: “I looked forward to this event from the moment it was announced that Lincolnshire would host it, bringing not out of London for only the second time in its history. I’m sure everyone had a wonderful time.
“A lot of preparation and planning went into ensuring that a successful and happy time was had by all. The night will live long in the memory.”
The Freemasons’ Province of Lincolnshire has almost 3,000 members in an area from The Humber to the Wash, who are currently involved in a five-year campaign to raise at least £2.25m in support of the MCF, with the total achieved to be revealed in September 2025.
Dave thanked the organising committee; the 2025 Festival committee, and all the Lincolnshire Freemasons who continued to contribute to what he predicted would be a superb result when the Festival came to an end next year. He added: “Together we’ve supported the MCF by raising the funds it needs to do all the good that it does for those in our communities who need it most.”
Celebrating Volunteers Week: Recognizing the extraordinary impact of Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance’s volunteers
Volunteers are amazing people and to celebrate Volunteers’ Week, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) are saying a big ‘Thank you’ to its 155 volunteers and the vital contribution they make to the work of this life-saving charity.
2024 marks the 40th year of Volunteers’ Week, and from 3-9 June LNAA joins thousands of charities to celebrate the amazing contributions volunteers make to communities across the UK.
Kate Kerrigan, Volunteering Manager, said: “Our volunteers are very important to us. They are our ambassadors who generously give their precious time in a variety of ways to raise both awareness and funds for our life-saving work.
“Their support ensures that our doctors and paramedics are able to operate 24 hours of the day, 7 days-a-week, providing pre-hospital critical care to some of the most seriously ill and injured people in the counties of Lincs and Notts.”
Julie Finn, from Grantham (pictured second left), was a full-time carer for her daughter who had special needs and epilepsy. In November 2022, after caring for her for 24 years, she sadly died. LNAA’s Aftercare Team were loving and supportive in the following months.
Julie is now a very active Volunteer for LNAA, helping out in the storeroom, getting merchandise ready to take to events, setting up and attending events, picking up collection tins and pretty much anything else she can turn her hand to. The role has enabled Julie to meet new people, and sharing her experience has made her able to face the future with greater confidence.
Julie said: “If anyone is thinking about volunteering for LNAA, my message is please give it a go! You will meet the most amazing people. To be honest you’ll never look back – I haven’t.”
Kate sums up: “Volunteers can give as much or as little time as they are able to on a regular or occasional basis. Whatever your skills or experience, whatever time you can give, there are lots of different roles available as a volunteer with LNAA so why not do something amazing today and join our fantastic team.”
More stories about LNAA’s fabulous volunteers can be found on the website: https://www.ambucopter.org.uk/supporter-stories/make-a-difference-this-volunteers-week/
Kick off for Clee Fields as YMCA Humber chosen as operator
The construction of Clee Fields, a new playing pitch facility off Ladysmith Road, started in January 2023, and has now been completed. The two brand new 3G pitches have been lined and fresh new changing rooms in the main building are complete and ready for use when the facility opens later this year.
The operator for the facility has now been appointed following a competitive tendering process: YMCA Humber will take on and run the facility, initially for 5 years.
Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, explained: “We have created Clee Fields not only for current demand but also for the demand we expect to see in the future, and are looking forward to seeing growth through the use of the facilities by local sports groups and clubs, and community groups.
“It’s great to have YMCA on board to run this for the community, and I hope this will become a popular local asset. I can’t wait to see the facilities to be used and appreciated.”
Kate Conway, Chief Executive Officer at YMCA Humber, said: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council on the management of the Clee Fields facility. This project will complement the work we already do across our youth, sports, and wellbeing provisions.
“Under the five-year contract we plan to promote, develop, and manage a welcoming, inclusive, and diverse community sports offer, including physical activities for those with a disability or long-term health conditions. There will also be social inclusion activities, focusing on women and girls football opportunities.
“We also are keen to work in partnership with organisations, local football teams and clubs, and schools who are keen to hire out 3G pitches and use Clee Fields as their primary training ground.”
The project has been funded by a £1.5 million grant from the Premier League, The FA, and the Government’s Football Foundation, along with money from the Council’s capital projects budget.
The main ‘pavilion’ has been designed with everyone in mind, having accessible facilities suitable for all genders, four large team changing areas, changing spaces for officials, and a kitchen, servery, and eating area, which doubles up as a ‘team chat and motivation zone’ when not in use by the public. The latter can be accessed from both inside and out, which is handy for people to drop in for a drink while they are playing, or for spectators at the venue.
Solar panels on the roof feed electricity into the building, with the potential for any surplus to be fed into the wider National Grid, air source heat pumps provide the heating and contribute to hot water provision for post-match showers, and in the future, there will be two EV charging points for electric cars. By adding this technology to the venue, the local carbon footprint is hugely reduced, and the building will subsequently benefit from cheaper running costs.
Outside, the two 3G, artificial grass pitches will be available for football with markings for 5, 7, 9, and 11-a-side football, and the second is also enabled for rugby use.
Cllr Jackson continued: “While we already have the exceptionally popular Bradley Football Development Centre, the Clee Fields facility is a fantastic addition and will support in addressing shortfalls in artificial grass pitch provision across the borough, also providing facilities in this area of North East Lincolnshire.
“It is also exciting that we have been able to implement the air source heat pumps and PV panels to help reduce carbon emissions. This is an important aspect of the build and a positive addition to the local authority portfolio.”
The facility will be able to provide all-year-round football and rugby use for the community, including local clubs, leagues and schools, as well as the opportunity for hosting tournaments and events.
Picture: Cllr Philip Jackson and Kate Conway. Image courtesy of North East Lincolnshire Council
