Free excellence in engineering event returns to Cathedral in July
A free two-day event which celebrates Lincolnshire’s excellence in engineering returns to Lincoln Cathedral on 7th and 8th July.
The Spark Engineering Festival aims to inspire future generations and showcase Lincolnshire as a leader in engineering innovation now and in the future.
Siemens Energy has been announced as the headline sponsor at the biennial festival along with other sponsors, including City of Lincoln Council, Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Investors in Lincoln, and Abbey Access Training Centre.
This year will see the addition of a 3D printed 9-foot futuristic robot and Audi’s first all-electric super car, the Audi E-Tron GT, along with the return of exhibits from Lincolnshire engineering businesses.
Organised as a partnership event by the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, the Lincoln Engineering Breakfast and representatives from local businesses as well as education providers, Spark aims to promote Lincolnshire as an engineering hotspot and inspire local young people to consider a career in the science, technology, engineering, and maths industries.
John Latham, Chair of the Spark Engineering Festival steering group, said: “We are delighted to bring this festival back after a 3 year break due to the covid pandemic and are thankful to Siemens Energy for once again pledging their support as headline sponsor and making the event possible.
“Before covid Spark had really gained momentum and quickly became one of the standout events in the annual calendar for engineers, teachers, students and businesses from all over the county but this year we are delighted the appetite is still there and we have the support of the fantastic businesses across the county.”
Visitors can expect to see several interactive displays and impressive exhibits, including the world record breaking Monowheels, along with a display about the use of robotics in engineering. Science busking demonstrations will also be taking place, as well as a variety of hands-on activities suitable for all ages.
The free event will be open to local schools on Friday 7th July and will showcase cutting-edge developments in science, technology, engineering, and maths happening across the county right now.
On Saturday 8th July the festival is free to the public who are welcome to explore the exhibits, as well as the magnificent Lincoln Cathedral, an engineering masterpiece in its own right.
John added: “It is incredibly important to encourage an interest in engineering from a young age so children understand the benefit of science and maths. We want to give an insight into the career opportunities on offer in this sector so a real focus can be given to the skills needed in early education.”
New County Council Chairman pledges support for two charities
Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance and St Barnabas Hospice have been named as the charities Lincolnshire County Council’s new Chairman will be supporting during his term of office.
At his election at the council’s AGM Councillor Robert Reid said both charities are always there to give care and support in our hour of need.
He has served as a conservative county councillor for Bourne South and Thurlby since 2017, and before that was a long-standing county councillor for Rutland County Council, during which time he was involved in Rutland regaining its identity as a unitary authority from Leicestershire.
His vice chairman will be Councillor Eddie Strengiel.
Councillor Reid said: “I am immensely honoured and privileged to be elected as chairman of the county council. I have always held a strong sense of community and inclusion of all, I will promote this and my aim to promote positive change within Lincolnshire whilst I am chairman as I have done during my time as an LCC councillor.
“During my term as vice chairman there has been celebrations and sadness with the passing of our late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We have then celebrated the coronation of King Charles III.
“Like our new King, I truly believe in inclusion of all for the best of Lincolnshire. Lincolnshire faces the challenges of devolution, as well as environmental challenges of global warming and having served as chairman of flood and water, I am only too aware of these issues.
“The world is a changing place, with conflicts and crises which affect us all. These need to be sympathetically addressed for the good of future generations.”
Huge net zero boost as carbon storage licences offered for award
The drive to net zero emissions has taken a significant step forward with the offer of awards for 20 carbon storage licences at offshore sites, including some near Aberdeen, Teesside, Liverpool and Lincolnshire.
The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) launched the UK’s first-ever carbon storage licensing round in June 2022, with applications closing in September. The 20 licences in total are around 12,000 square kilometres in size, a little bigger than Yorkshire, the UK’s largest county.
Once the new storage sites are in operation – and in some cases first injection could come in as little as six years – they could make a significant contribution to the aim of storing up to 30 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year by 2030, approximately 10% of total UK annual emissions, which were 341.5 million tonnes in 2021.
The offers come in the wake of the Chancellor’s Budget announcement that the Government is allocating up to £20 billion in support of developing carbon capture, usage and storage, starting with projects in the East Coast, Merseyside and North Wales.
He added that this would pave the way for CCS as the UK approaches 2050. This first carbon storage licensing round is likely to be the first of many as up to 100 CO2 stores could be needed for the UK to meet the net zero by 2050 target.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report in April 2022 emphasised that carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies are necessary for power and industry sectors to reach net zero emissions. It is also supported by the Climate Change Committee’s Sixth Carbon Budget which emphasises the vital role that carbon storage must play in the UK’s path to net zero.
The licences include a range of geological store types and were selected following a process which considered attributes such as the geology, proximity to existing infrastructure – as is found at Bacton off the coast of Norfolk – and links to industrial clusters which are expecting carbon storage to help meet decarbonisation goals.
The need to share offshore space with other users of the seabed such as wind developers and petroleum operations was also considered as part of the NSTA’s licensing process, recognising the need for both early engagement and continued collaboration between existing licence and leaseholders where an area of the seabed is a key resource area for different sectors.
The future success of the CCS industry requires close co-operation between a number of organisations, and once a licence has been awarded by the NSTA, the licensee also needs to obtain a seabed lease from The Crown Estate or Crown Estate Scotland before a project can progress. Further consents and approvals will be required ahead of any appraisal activity taking place on carbon storage licences.
Stuart Payne, NSTA Chief Executive, said: “This is an exciting and important day. As a nation, we cannot meet our decarbonisation targets without carbon storage. This is net zero delivery in action.
“The awards we offer today could store around 10% of the UK’s emissions, and through our engagement with applicants, we will have committed work plans in place such as seismic surveys and drilling of wells – we are working with industry to move at real pace.
“The UK’s offshore waters remain the crown jewel of our energy mix, providing energy security, emissions reduction and carbon storage. This will require more and more integration and collaboration in a crowded space, and we are working closely with governments and agencies such as The Crown Estate and Crown Estate Scotland to ensure we maximise this amazing potential.
“We look forward to working with these licensees to make these projects a reality as soon as possible and to opening more carbon storage rounds in the near future – my thanks to our teams and industry for their great work, but this is just the beginning.”
Junior doctors swap hospitals for helicopter in Air Ambulance Taster Day
On 18 May, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) hosted another successful taster day where doctors and paramedics showcased the multifaceted aspects of pre-hospital emergency medicine (PHEM) to trainee doctors.
PHEM is a rapidly expanding and evolving medical sub-speciality, and yet it is rarely included in medical school or foundation curricula, making it hard for junior doctors and medical students to identify it as a career option.
LNAA organized this special taster day as a way for trainee doctors to gain an insight as to the role of a doctor working within the Air Ambulance environment.
Shayda Karimi, a doctor with LNAA put the special day together and is delighted with the enthusiasm shown by the delegates. She said: “We showcased a typical shift as a PHEM/HEMS doctor, explaining the relationship between the ambulance service paramedics and colleagues from other emergency services. We also explained the importance of teamwork when working in a stressful environment with critically ill patients.”
The simulations that illustrated how difficult it is for pre-hospital teams to treat patients at the scene of an incident showed the stark difference to treating patients in hospitals. The tour of the helicopter allowed everyone to see how much equipment can be carried on each mission, and conversations with the pilots, doctors, and paramedics gave a very real account of the rich rewards if they decided to follow a career as a HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) doctor.
Cat Anderson, a year 2 foundation doctor due to start a training post in the Emergency Department at Peterborough City Hospital next year, believes the day has strengthened her desire to follow a career in pre-hospital emergency medicine. She said: “The difference between working in a hospital and working for an Air Ambulance was continually highlighted throughout the day. I enjoy being challenged and this role will certainly do that.
“It is about coming to patients in their homes and communities, working in any type of situation using ground-breaking technology alongside the rest of your team. That is why I want to be a PHEM doctor.”
Lindum gives new lease of life to former newspaper office
Lincoln-based Lindum Group has completed the refurbishment of 5-7 Market Place, Gainsborough, the former home of the Gainsborough Standard newspaper. It will now become three new flats, with a commercial space on the ground floor.
As part of the scheme, a new shop front has been constructed and installed by Lindum’s joinery team to replicate the Grade II listed property’s original Georgian and Victorian façade.
The new shop front on the West Lindsey District Council-owned building, was built at Lindum Joinery’s workshop in Lincoln. It is made from traditional materials and follows a design by Latham Architects, which matches original designs researched from old photographs and pictures, including by Gainsborough artist Karl Wood.
Wendy Osgodby, Economic Growth Team Leader at West Lindsey District Council, said: “The regeneration of this building forms part of a very exciting programme of development in Gainsborough.”
The building has been part of Gainsborough’s Market Place since the early 18th Century. West Lindsey District Council bought it in 2016 with the restoration to form part of its wider town regeneration plan.
The building will now be brought back to full use as part of a wider programme of town centre renewal, which is being part funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Levelling Up Fund and West Lindsey District Council.
Simon Hope, Lindum Construction Manager, said: “This has definitely been one of the more interesting jobs we’ve done. The difference between when we started and how the building looks now is amazing.
“The combination of the building being empty for years and the leaky roof meant that the inside of the building was very run down, to the point where there were even mushrooms growing on the walls as a result from water cascading into the building for several years.
“The flats are now all up to standard, with new kitchens, walk in showers, and carpets throughout. We are very pleased with how they have turned out, with the historical aspect of the building maintained, while incorporating a modern feel.”
Lincolnshire RAF veteran cycles Dambusters Ride on recumbent trike
To mark the 80th anniversary of the Dambusters Raid, RAF veteran Jon Knott took on the Dambusters Ride in Lincolnshire on the 13 May to raise money for the RAF’s leading welfare charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Jon Knott, 53, from Westwoodside, North Lincolnshire, saddled up his recumbent trike for the ride out of Woodhall Spa on 13 May 2023.
The annual Dambusters Ride pays tribute to the Dambusters, members of the RAF’s 617 Squadron who were assembled to bomb three dams in Germany’s Ruhr Valley on the night of 16-17 May 1943 – also known as Operation Chastise. This year marks 80 years since the risky raid, in which the revolutionary bouncing bomb, the brainchild of engineer Barnes Wallis, was dropped at low level on Germany’s industrial heartland in the Ruhr Valley. The mission was a success, but the cost was high; of 133 aircrew who left, 53 were killed and three became prisoners of war.
Jon, who served in the RAF for 27 years, said: “I wanted to take part to support the RAF Benevolent Fund, by raising funds for a charity close to my heart and to achieve a manageable physical goal with like-minded friends and colleagues.
“The RAF Benevolent Fund has supported me and my family in the past and I want them to still be available to support other beneficiaries in the future. I believe the Dambusters Ride is open to all, I even rode with one of my army veteran pals last year and I was also one of several recumbent tricycle riders, so it’s not only for speed demons.”
The Dambusters Ride consists of two elements: a Virtual Ride on the weekend of 20-21 May and a Heritage Ride that took place in Lincolnshire on Saturday 13 May.
Image: Jon Knott (right) at this year’s Dambusters Ride. Credit: Michael Powell.
Gainsborough stages free day-long entertainment festival next month
A programme ofacrobatics, dancing, comedy and much more is promised in a FREE Revive Festival being staged in Gainsborough Town Centre on Saturday June 17th.
Ady Selby, Director of Operational & Commercial Services at West Lindsey District Council said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to see some amazing performances from not only our incredible local talented people, but also from artists across Europe”.
During the Festival, there will be a Community Stage which will showcase some of the best local talent Gainsborough has to offer.
Belina Boyer, Town Clerk at Gainsborough Town Council said: “We are pleased to support this new and exciting event and we are looking forward to working in partnership with West Lindsey District Council on the provision of town centre events”.
A number of traders have already signed up to attend the event to ensure event attendees can purchase food, drinks and much more.
The Revive Festival is working in collaboration with the SO Festival in Skegness to deliver a programme of international artists that showcase amazing theatre, dance and arts.
This free event has been made possible by funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and support from Magna Vitae Trust for Leisure and Culture, Gainsborough Town Council and The ACIS GroupCouncil leader praises year-round work of county’s volunteers
The first week in June marks National Volunteers’ Week and though it may be an ordinary week for many people, there’s nothing ordinary about our volunteers, says Lincolnshire County Council Leader Martin Hill.
Writing on the Council’s web site he says: “In choosing to dedicate time and energy to benefit others, you and volunteers across Lincolnshire, go above and beyond to help our communities.
“Volunteers’ Week – celebrated in the first week of June – is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering.
“This year, to mark His Majesty the King’s coronation, Monday 8 May was ‘The Big Help Out’ and showed just how highly regarded volunteers are throughout the United Kingdom.
“I hope and believe this will inspire even more people to share their skills, energy and creativity in the way you do.
“As well as helping others, volunteering can help improve your well-being, gain valuable new skills and experiences, and boost your confidence.
“Your work benefits everyone who lives in, works in and visits Lincolnshire. Some of you have volunteered for many years, and some are new to supporting local people and places. You should each be incredibly proud of your contributions.
“Whatever your reasons for volunteering with Lincolnshire County Council or the many other causes and organisations across the county; however much time you give and wherever or whomever you support; whatever you achieve, share and give back. I would like to say thank you and tell you how much our volunteers are appreciated and valued.
“If you would like to get in touch about any aspect of volunteering with us, you can find out more on our website.”
Council welcomes £20m Government cash for new health centre in Scunthorpe
A new £19.4m community diagnostic centre will be built in Scunthorpe town centre – one of six to open nationally as ‘one-stop shops’ for tests, checks and scans.
The centre will create capacity for an additional 146,000 appointments a year for residents to get X-Rays, MRI, ultrasound, and CT scans.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is great news for North Lincolnshire residents and another positive note for the High Street with more Government cash backing the plans to build a new future.
“This new health centre will have a massive impact on residents’ access to critical health services, further improving health and wellbeing for thousands of people.
“It is also further good news for the town centre in Scunthorpe – a major investment, backed with Government cash, which will drive more people into the town centre for more reasons.”
The plans will be subject to planning permission, which has been sought for a site off Lindum Street.
Patients will be referred to the centre by their GP or consultant, and it will operate in parallel to existing diagnostic departments at Scunthorpe General Hospital for inpatients and those requiring emergency care.
Health bosses have said it will allow an estimated 146,000 additional checks every year, enabling more patients to be seen more quickly, slashing waiting times and helping residents access the care they need in a timelier way.
Chief Executive of Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, Peter Reading, said: “Our priority will always be to provide our patients with excellent standards of care – and we believe that moving some of our diagnostic services out into the community will allow us to do that.
“I’m delighted to say that we have been successful in bidding for £19.4m from the national funding Community Diagnostic Centre programme to fund the scheme and have submitted a planning application to create a bespoke hub, off Lindum Street – right in the heart of Scunthorpe town centre.
“Based in the heart of communities, they are making it easier for people to access life-saving checks and cutting out unnecessary hospital visits.
“They have already made a huge difference, delivering nearly four million tests, checks and scans since the programme started in July 2021, helping to deliver on the government’s commitment to cut waiting lists.”
Energy Company Obligation: a green initiative for UK households
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a UK government initiative to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in domestic households. Launched in 2013, ECO has undergone several iterations, with the most recent version being ECO4. The primary goal of ECO4 scheme is to help low-income families and vulnerable households reduce their energy consumption and heating costs by providing energy-efficient home improvements and low-carbon heating solutions.
ECO was introduced to support the UK’s ambitious climate targets, which include achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. By addressing the needs of those in fuel poverty and providing energy-saving measures, ECO contributes to the nation’s broader environmental objectives and improves living conditions for thousands of households nationwide.
Key Components of the ECO Scheme:
- Home Heating Cost Reduction Obligation (HHCRO): Energy suppliers must provide support to eligible low-income households to improve their heating systems and insulation.
- Carbon Emissions Reduction Obligation (CERO): Suppliers must focus on installing measures that reduce carbon emissions, such as solid wall insulation and loft insulation.
- Carbon Saving Community Obligation (CSCO): Suppliers must provide insulation measures to households in designated rural or low-income areas.
Certified Companies Fulfilling the ECO Scheme
To ensure the efficient implementation of the ECO scheme, energy suppliers collaborate with certified companies with the expertise and resources to install energy efficiency measures in eligible homes. One such company is UK Energy Support, which has been instrumental in helping low-income families access the ECO scheme and improve their homes’ energy efficiency. UK Energy Support (UKES) works closely with energy suppliers and local authorities to ensure eligible households receive the benefits offered by the ECO scheme. By partnering with trusted installers, the ECO initiative ensures that high-quality energy efficiency measures are implemented effectively, making a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most. UKES team will assist you in navigating the eligibility criteria for the Energy Company Obligation. If you are found to be eligible for the scheme, UK Energy Support can carry out the necessary heating measures in your home as a certified installer. Some of the energy-saving improvements approved installers can carry out under the ECO4 scheme include:- Cavity wall insulation: Filling the gaps between your home’s external walls to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
- Loft insulation: Installing insulation material in the loft or attic space to minimise heat loss through the roof.
- Boiler upgrades: Replacing old, inefficient boilers with newer, more energy-efficient models to reduce heating costs and carbon emissions.
- Air source heat pumps: Installing innovative systems that extract heat from the outside air to provide energy-efficient heating and hot water, lowering your household’s carbon emissions and heating expenses.
- Room in roof insulation: Insulating rooms located directly beneath the roof, such as loft conversions or attic bedrooms, to enhance thermal performance and comfort.
What’s Next for the ECO Scheme and the Future of Energy Efficiency in the UK?
As the UK government continues to strive towards a more sustainable future, the ECO scheme is expected to evolve and expand. The success of the current ECO4 iteration provides a solid foundation for further improvements and adaptations in the coming years. Possible future developments for the ECO scheme may include:- Enhanced Eligibility Criteria: To ensure that the ECO scheme reaches an even broader range of households in need, the government may review and adjust the eligibility criteria, offering support to more families facing fuel poverty.
- Innovation in Energy Efficiency Technologies: As technology advances, new energy efficiency solutions will become available. The ECO scheme may incorporate these cutting-edge technologies to maximise the benefits for both households and the environment.
- Greater Collaboration between Industry and Government: To optimise the delivery of the ECO scheme, increased collaboration between the government, energy suppliers, and certified companies like UK Energy Support will be crucial. This partnership will help streamline processes and ensure the scheme reaches those who most need it.
