The UK’s number one children’s entertainment company, Captain Fantastic, starts Lincolnshire parties
For the last 14 years, Captain Fantastic have entertained over 3 million children across the UK and this latest expansion will mean that parents and children in Lincolnshire can experience a Captain Fantastic party first hand.With 11 different party types, ranging from princess, pirate and superhero to disco, spy and challenge, Captain Fantastic parties cater to all types of children.The iconic Captain Fantastic Superhero parties are full of magic tricks and interactive games from start to finish. Alternatively, the Science Parties are a fantastic way to capture children’s imaginations by showing them some truly mind-blowing experiments alongside plenty of bubbles, fun and games.Children also have the choice of joining Pirate Pete or Pirate Polly for an epic pirate voyage across the seas. Captain Fantastic have recently introduced Princess Parties. A Princess Party is the perfect way to capture the imaginations of young guests, with plenty of entertainment for princes and princesses aged 3-7!Captain Fantastic also caters for older children with their epic disco and challenge parties. In a digitally distracted world, they help children to return to real life. Their discos are far more than just DJ hire; every one of their children’s discos is fully interactive and their epic parties come with state-of-the-art disco equipment and plenty of bubbles.Captain Fantastic has been featured on major UK news networks, including the BBC and Sky News. They were even the first company to offer remote learning and parties during the Covid lockdown. They continue to offer a range of virtual parties today so children don’teven need to leave the comfort of their own home in order to be thoroughly entertained.Daniel Ferguson, Lincolnshire franchise owner, has said: “After a couple of years of working as an entertainer in Cambridgeshire, I moved to Lincolnshire with my partner to kickstart my very own Captain Fantastic Franchise. It’s been an incredible journey so far. I still have the flexibility to take on acting gigs and have support across the whole company whenever I need it. This is a truly remarkable opportunity, and I am so excited to see what the future holds!”Tommy Balaam, CEO of Captain Fantastic, has said: “I started Captain Fantastic because I believe in quality entertainment and wanted to create something unique and special. As the father of girl and boy twins, I know the magical feeling that comes with keeping them entertained. I therefore wanted to offer a service that could ensure all children felt that sense of magic at parties.”Captain Fantastic have recently launched their own YouTube series – Captain Fantastic’s Adventures. The series aims to present children with a new type of learning, combining education and wellbeing advice with fun and laughter. Join Captain Fantastic as they explore family-friendly destinations, bringing joy and excitement straight to your screens. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/@CaptainFantasticKids
Scunthorpe’s Plowright Theatre to welcome inspired adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s ‘Hedda’
After a highly successful inaugural run last year, Here To There Productions take their inspired adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s classic story, ‘Hedda’, out on the road with a 27-date UK tour – including a stop at Scunthorpe’s Plowright Theatre.
Written by Here To There Productions’ Company Director, Andrew Whittle, this exciting new interpretation of one of theatre’s most revered plays was hailed a triumph by both critics & audience alike, enjoying a near sell-out run at The Coach House Theatre in Malvern.
It is a complex tale of female power, jealousy and manipulation, of drunkenness and sexual weakness, of competition between the sexes such as shocked audiences in the 1890s, yet still resonates with audiences today.
Arriving home from an extended honeymoon Hedda struggles to come to terms with her fledgling marriage. Having married for money not love she finds herself already bored with married life, as well as her husband.
Brought up in a sheltered environment, Hedda had yearned for years to be married, to grasp life by the throat and enjoy herself, but instead feels trapped, buried alive with years of tedious, intolerable life ahead of her.
She plots to break that tedium by manipulating & toying with the lives of those around her…with consequences far greater than she could have foreseen.
Here To There Productions are a Midlands-based theatre company dedicated to bringing challenging, yet entertaining productions to audiences throughout the UK.
‘Hedda’ will be at The Plowright Theatre in Scunthorpe from April 9 – 13.
Knitting up a storm for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance
As part of the 30th Anniversary celebrations due to start later in the year, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) are calling all nifty knitters to join together to create the largest yarn bomb ever seen!
The charity’s aim is to cover the whole of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire with hundreds of yellow helicopters and spread the message about their life-saving work. And they need knitters and crocheters to help create this mammoth masterpiece.
There are three ways people can take part. Individual knitters can create a single mini helicopter and display it in a local shop, pub, church, or other community space. More adventurous knitters are being asked to let your imagination soar and design a unique, eye-catching postbox topper, just make sure it includes a yellow knitted helicopter!
Or the ultimate challenge is to yarn bomb your community and join forces with fellow knitters to create a cornucopia of colour.
LNAA’s Volunteer Manager, Kate Kerrigan said: “This is a fabulous way to support the life-saving work of Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance from the comfort of your own home. With your help, we are looking to colour the counties of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire yellow with thousands of miniature helicopters.
“It is so easy to get involved. Just grab your knitting needles and some yellow yarn and register your interest with Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance at ambucopter.org.uk/knitting. We will then send you your knitting pattern which designer Amanda Berry has kindly allowed us use as well as lots of information to help you get involved.”
Works progressing on next phases of Lincoln Enterprise Park
Construction works to deliver the next phases at Lincoln Enterprise Park are progressing to schedule with 80% of space already reserved.
Located on the A46 near Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln Enterprise Park is progressing with phases 7 to 10, which will bring an additional 34,500 sq ft to the park and could potentially create up to 100 new jobs.
Following the continued demand for commercial property in and around Lincoln and a successful planning appeal in 2021, developer and site owner LEP Developments commenced works in October last year, acting as both developer and contractor.
With groundworks done, steel frames ups and roofs complete, works to phases 7 and 8 – which are 6,500 sq ft each – are on schedule.
In total, phases 7 to 10 will bring 13 new mixed-use units ranging from 1,451 to 11,500 sq ft to Lincoln Enterprise Park, offering in-demand expansion opportunities for current occupants and new commercial premises for other businesses.
Current occupant and bespoke kitchen and furniture manufacturer, Krantz Designs, has been on Lincoln Enterprise Park since 2020. With its expanding client portfolio and desire to manufacture all its products in-house, the company has bought phase 7 as well as securing the lease of part of another unit as part of phase 9, giving the company a total of 20,000 sq ft at the park.
Managing director of Krantz Designs, Jamie Krantz, said: “With our showroom on historic Bailgate in Lincoln, we currently manufacture about 90% of our products here at Lincoln Enterprise Park, but for some time have wanted to increase that to 100%.
“We had no desire to move from the park as it’s the perfect location for us, is well managed and has a supportive business network, therefore when Nick secured planning for the next stage of expansion, I jumped at the chance to design and build our new HQ.
“We will have approximately 30 skilled team members at the park when we move into our new spaces later this year, which will include CAD technicians, cabinet painters, machinists and office personnel, and we will be recruiting in due course to fill new roles. The team and I are pleased to be continuing our journey at Lincoln Enterprise Park.”
Managing director of LEP Developments, Nicholas Falkinder, said: “At Lincoln Enterprise Park we support economic growth by providing our premium product in a unique and highly accessible location.
“Because of what we have on offer here and the service we provide, we have been fully occupied for over seven years. Jamie and the team at Krantz Designs are a great example of the business community at the park and how we support those businesses through leasehold agreements, then on to freehold opportunities if required.
“From the outset interest in the new units has been high and this resulted in 80% pre-construction sales in just a matter of months. The majority have been taken by existing occupants, which is what we strive for, and we are welcoming some exciting new businesses later in the year.
“I’m passionate about this park and its success, and for the first time we are developer and contractor, which is an incredible journey to be on to both ensure quality and see the progress onsite each day. I want to thank our community of businesses here and everyone who has made these next phases possible.”
Phases 7 and 8 are due for completion in the summer this year, phase 9 in early autumn and phase 10 in early 2025. Two units remain available to rent or buy and are being marketed by local agents Pygott & Crone and Lambert Smith Hampton.
All contractors working on the site are East Midlands-based and include CM Civils, a Lincoln-based civil engineering company which has delivered the groundworks.
Subject to planning, there is scope for further expansion at Lincoln Enterprise Park.
Countryside hedgerows to be given legal protection to care for wildlife
Hedgerows will be protected in law as the government sets out its plans for domestic hedgerow regulations, following a consultation last year.
Backed by over 95% of consultation responses, and providing continuity for farmers and land managers, the regulations will include a two-metre ‘buffer strip’ from the centre of hedgerows with no cultivation or application of pesticides or fertilisers, and a hedge cutting ban between 1 March and 31 August to protect nesting birds.
A fairer, more proportionate enforcement approach focused on outcomes will see farmers provided with advice to help them comply with requirements – very different from the approach seen previously.
The regulations will support the efforts of many farmers already carrying out vital work to protect hedgerows, providing important ecological benefits including wildlife habitats, slowing soil erosion and water run-off, supporting crop pollinators and absorbing carbon.
This includes over 90,000km of hedgerows being managed through 16,000 agreements in the government’s Countryside Stewardship and Sustainable Farming Incentive schemes, and more than 13,000km of hedgerows created or restored using Countryside Stewardship grants.
Farming Minister Mark Spencer said:”Farmers have been protecting, planting and maintaining our hedgerows for centuries and I want to thank them for their continued efforts to help wildlife thrive on their farms alongside food production.
“I am delighted that thousands of farmers are taking up the support and guidance on offer in our Countryside Stewardship and Sustainable Farming Incentive schemes.”
Museum offers a taste of living life in Victorian times
The Museum of Lincolnshire Life is offering visitors a chance to step back into the Victorian era for a special day on May 4th.
That’s when Victorian society will be reborn, with the maid busy in her kitchen, the stern schoolmaster in his classroom, the printer producing pages of text, and the pharmacist talking about the birth of more modern cures…
Steve Dunk, visitor experience manager at the museum, said: “During the Victorian era, Lincolnshire was a powerhouse of industrial innovation and military might. Our county was once revered around the world, and this is something the Museum of Lincolnshire Life proudly celebrates!
“From day to day living, to the hustle and bustle of industrial progress, this event will really encapsulate the diverse facets of Victorian life in Lincolnshire. So roll up, roll up for an engaging journey through history, where every corner reveals a snapshot of this influential Lincolnshire period.”
Tickets for the event cost just £3 for adults, £1.50 per child, and £2 for concessions. Or buy a family ticket for two adults and up to three children for £6. Simply pay on the door on the day.
Landmark court ruling sees North East Lincolnshire Council awarded nearly £300,000
A Proceeds of Crime application has been heard at Grimsby Crown Court with a total of £295,021.84 awarded against a Grimsby man, following what was the largest-ever haul of illegal cigarettes seized in North East Lincolnshire.
This is the first time a Proceeds of Crime Application has been brought before the courts for North East Lincolnshire Council since the act was put in place back in 2003.
North East Lincolnshire Council, with the support of Humberside Police, had executed a search warrant at the property in Exmoor Close, Healing, on 21 November 2021. This had followed reports from the public that illegal tobacco was being stored at the premises. Officers found 386,760 illegal cigarettes and 290 pouches of illegal tobacco, worth in excess of £227,000.
As a result, a man and a woman pleaded guilty and were sentenced at a further hearing.
Nabaz Rasul Mohammed, 29, a shopkeeper of Freeman Street, Grimsby, entered guilty pleas to 12 offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994, and a further four offences relating to the packaging of all the products seized. He was subsequently sentenced to 18 months in custody, suspended for two years and to attend 20 days of Rehabilitation Activity.
Meanwhile Angela Ammari, 51, of Exmoor Close, Healing, had pleaded guilty to 11 offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994 relating to 292,000 cigarettes and 50 x 50g pouches of tobacco which were found to be counterfeit copies of genuine brands, at an earlier hearing in October 2022. Ammari was sentenced to four months in custody suspended for 12 months and must also attend 20 days of Rehabilitation Activity.
As a result of those court hearings, the Proceeds of Crime application was heard, and the award was made against Mr. Mohammed. However Ms. Ammari was only ordered to pay prosecution costs of £1,575 within three months.
Mr. Mohammed was ordered to pay £2,480.38 as a result of the Proceeds of Crime application within four to six weeks. Failure to comply with the order will result in imprisonment.
In addition, total benefit costs were awarded against Mohammed of £293,446.84. This means any assets that are obtained by him (for example purchases made by him, inheritance, or such things as Lottery wins) would be applicable for seizure as part of the Proceeds of Crime Act.
The money will be split three ways with approximately one third going to His Majesty’s Treasury; one third to the agency responsible for the collection of the monies (often the courts) and one third to the Local Authority bringing the claim and the financial investigation team.
The Proceeds of Crime Act allows the authority to recover assets that an offender may have gained through illegal activity. It can be seen as a deterrent to certain ‘lifestyle’ offences, but also can be used to deprive an offender of any financial gain they may have made from the offences they have committed. It is commonly used for offences such as drug trafficking and money laundering but can also be used for counterfeiting and offences under the Trade Mark Act, such as the ones committed here.
Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “This is a significant ruling for North East Lincolnshire Council and the partners who have worked hard together for this outcome.
“I would like to thank everyone involved for bringing the case to this point and hopefully in the years ahead we will see more results like this.
“It’s a shining example of how we as a Council will not shy away from prosecuting people who don’t follow the law.
“The authority is committed to cracking down on this kind of criminal behaviour and this hearing illustrates that we will endeavour to bring people to justice.
“It is this councils intention to pursue those who continue to sell counterfeit products through the proceeds of crime act. We are sending a very clear message that we will continue to act financially against those that break the law.”
Image courtesy of North East Lincolnshire Council
Silver spade signals start of work on £9m Gainsborough cinema
Gelder Group Chief Executive Officer Steve Gelder has used a silver spade to break the ground in a symbolic gesture, signalling the start of work on a £9m Savoy cinema in Gainsborough.
He said: “Having been born and brought up in Gainsborough, I am absolutely delighted that we have been awarded the contract to build the exciting new cinema.”
West Lindsey District Council and Savoy Cinema announced that local construction company the Gelder Group have secured the contract to build the state-of-the-art complex in the Market Place.
The development will deliver a four-screen cinema complex, restaurant, retail units and car parking provision in Gainsborough Town Centre. It is funded through contributions from the Council, the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the government’s Levelling Up Fund and Savoy Cinemas.
“I am passionate about seeing the town develop and grow in prominence in the years ahead. I am confident that the new cinema will provide an important focus point in the Market Place and have the power to bring many more visitors into the town.”
Savoy Cinemas MD James Collington said: “Today marks a significant milestone in developing our new state-of-the-art cinema, bringing us a step closer to unveiling the Savoy Experience in Gainsborough. We are looking forward to delivering excellent films, entertainment, and cutting-edge cinematic technology in the town centre for the local community and surrounding areas to enjoy.”
Leader of West Lindsey District Council Trevor Young and Gainsborough ward member said: “Today we are not only breaking ground on the physical construction of the site, but together with Savoy Cinemas, we are looking forward to working with Steve Gelder and his team, an award-winning construction company based right here in West Lindsey.
“The cinema is the anchor project in our Thriving Gainsborough 2024 regeneration programme and it demonstrates our continued commitment to deliver for the people of Gainsborough and surrounding area. This will bring a much-needed leisure offer to the town centre and significantly contribute to the town’s local economy, increasing footfall, dwell time and spend.”
Lincoln Bee Keepers host largest bee auction in UK
Lincoln Bee Keepers are organising the largest Bee Auction in the United Kingdom, as recognised by the esteemed British Bee Keepers monthly magazine (BBKA News).
Set to take place on March 23, 2024, at the Lincolnshire Showground, this event marks the 33rd anniversary of Lincoln Bee Keepers’ dedication to promoting beekeeping excellence and environmental stewardship.
With anticipation building, hundreds of attendees are expected to converge upon the Lincolnshire Showground, demonstrating the widespread interest and support for beekeeping initiatives. This year’s event promises to be a memorable occasion, with attendees treated to a captivating showcase of live bee hives alongside the excitement of the auction itself.
In alignment with their longstanding commitment to charitable giving, the Lincoln Bee Keepers’ Bee Auction is organised entirely in the name of charity. Proceeds from the auction will go towards supporting various charitable causes, underscoring Lincoln Bee Keepers’ dedication to making a positive impact within the community.
Furthermore, the significance of the Lincoln Bee Keepers’ Bee Auction extends beyond the realm of beekeeping, as bees are designated as livestock by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs). This designation positions the event as the largest livestock auction in the UK, highlighting its importance within the agricultural sector and beyond.
Graham Duff, the visionary behind this esteemed event, remarked: “As we celebrate our 33rd year of hosting the largest Bee Auction in the UK, we are honoured by the recognition from BBKA News. This event not only showcases the beauty and importance of beekeeping but also serves as a platform for us to give back to the community through charitable endeavours.”
Hospital clinicians take the plunge and compete in the Winter Swimming World Championships
Lifelong swimmers Nicola Housam and Frances Mills will be swapping the hospital corridors at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust for outdoor swimming pools in Tallinn in Estonia.
The Winter Swimming World Championships take place in from Monday 4 to Sunday 10 March 2024. Water temperatures are expected to be just above freezing at 0.7 degrees, but this is not something new for Nicola and Frances.
Nicola, an Advanced Clinical Practitioner in Dermatology, will be competing in the 25m and 50m breast stroke, as well as a front crawl relay, and has signed up to help be part of a World Record attempt in Noblessner Harbour for the largest ever winter swimming relay. Frances, a Specialist Family Practitioner, will be competing in the 25m front crawl, the front crawl relay and also the World Record attempt.
Nicola said: “As a lifelong swimmer, I am happy in a river, sea, or leisure centre pool. I get in water hot or cold to look for peace and quiet, whether that be a hot bath at home to breaking ice in my local river so I can swim. Waterfall chasing is a particular passion of mine.
“Swimming with nature around you instils a special kind of peace and wellbeing. There is growing evidence that this sense of wellbeing in the water has health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, anxiety, and inflammation.”
The pair are both founding members of the Boston Bluetits Chill Swimmers and also active members and organisers of the Boston Park Run.
Nicola explained: “When swimming pools closed during the pandemic, I often found myself in the River Witham with my long-suffering husband serving as my lifeguard, lookout, and kit monitor. Fran and I then discovered a national group called the Bluetits Chill swimmers. This is an inclusive group which brings people together to enjoy their love of cold water swimming.
“We started a local flock, and so it came to be that Boston Bluetits was born with two mother tits. Our flock is now almost 1,000 members strong. There are flocks of Bluetits all over the UK, and watching my flock grow and the friendships that have developed has given me an enormous sense of pride.”
The pair will be joined by 58 other Bluetits Chill swimmers from across the country in the journey to Tallinn.
Frances added: “There is something very special about open water swimming. The laughing and sharing of hot water bottles, woolly bobble hats and a hot flask after a swim in five-degree water changes your day. It is good for the heart and soul and I cannot wait to be surrounded by swimmers from across the globe as we all take on a challenge and do something that we all love.
“We are not doing this to win medals, but instead to take on personal challenges in the most beautiful of settings. It really is going to be amazing and we might even come home with a World Record.”
Image: Nicola and Frances getting ready for the Winter Swimming World Championships. Image courtesy of United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
