BRIC donations support Louth charity facing low stock
Building Resilience in Communities (BRIC) is supporting communities once again by responding to a call for help from Louth charity Neighbour’s Kitchen.
The Louth-based charity was running low on stock but continues to trust its ethos: “It’s better to give everything to those in need NOW because tomorrow is a battle when you are struggling.”
BRIC, which is based in Gainsborough, helped out by arranging food donations from a school and a local supermarket.
Neighbour’s Kitchen is based around supporting neighbours. The charity was born out of the first lockdown in March 2020 with a mission to offer hot, nutritious food to the vulnerable every day.
Paul Hugill, Founder of Neighbours Kitchen said: “Our mission is to feed our community hot, nutritious food daily, gifted to the most vulnerable. We try to make people realise that what they are going through is a temporary thing and in a few months later they will be the ones that donating back to the charity. This is how we are building a stronger world.
“Sometimes we have to call for help from our local community when we’re low on stock, and just as the number of requests for support was at critical earlier this year point Jo-Anne from BRIC turned up with bags of food collected from local organisations.”
Jo-Anne Tolley, a Support Co-ordinator at BRIC, responded to a call for help from the charity. She organised a food collection by a combination of donations from North Somercotes Primary School and people donating at the local Co-op. The primary school also held a non-uniform day where the students brought an item of food instead of money.
Jo-Anne said: “I responded to this call because I see the impact of rising living costs on local families. We all need a helping hand with something at some point.
“This proves that when we work together, beautiful things happen. It is beneficial for local services to work collaboratively and raise awareness of the support available in communities.”
BRIC is a locally focused charity supporting vulnerable children and their families in Lincolnshire. A support organisation with an amazing team and a big heart, it has changed the lives of many children and their families by providing emotional support and practical help.
Make a difference to animal welfare with a gift card
Lincolnshire-based equine welfare charity Bransby Horses are offering a novel way to support them.
Buying one of their Gift Cards With a Difference means supporters can donate to them on behalf of someone else.
Maria Thompson said: “We know things are tough right now and just want to let our supporters know they can buy a gift of warmth, food or medical treatment for any of our residents – as a gift card to mark a special occasion such as birthdays and anniversaries.
“It means they can donate to us on behalf of someone they know would appreciate the gesture.”
Buying a Bransby Horses Gift Card with a Difference is a great way to help horses like Gerald.
He was found by worried members of the public collapsed in a ditch with maggots and lice all over his legs.
Rescued by near-by RSPCA centre he was then signed him over to Bransby Horses for the long term specialist care he needed.
At only two-years-old it was touch and go.
As well as advanced liver disease and severe dental problems he also needed a blood transfusion.
Bransby Horses External Welfare Manager Rachel Jenkinson said: “Despite his issues Gerald showed a real determination to get better. His conditions were difficult to treat as he had multiple issues but despite being close to death – he pulled through on more than one occasion.
“He’s a lovely pony and the team who work with him are very fond of him.”
Gerald’s case highlights the long-term investment required to fully care for horses and ponies in need and every gift card purchased helps fund their care.
Call 01427 788 464 or visit BransbyHorses.co.uk/gcwad
Major steps taken in Grimsby’s Freshney Place development
Two major signings have brought the new Freshney Place leisure development closer with Parkway Cinemas signing a lease to develop a five-screen cinema and Morgan Sindall Construction being elected for the next stage of the build.
Richard Parkes, director of Parkway Cinemas, said that whilst internet shopping had seen a change in buying habits and how town centre is used, it was still evident that people wanted to get together socially, and cinemas were benefitting from that.
“The new Grimsby cinema will be very different to the one we have in Cleethorpes. There is more than one type and style of restaurant, more than just one type of pub – cinemas are the same. A town centre cinema will have a different feel and style to a big seafront cinema, even if they’re offering the same sorts of films. It’ll be a different experience.
“We’re really pleased to be able to get this over the line, and look forward to working on creating something special for the people of Grimsby.”
Morgan Sindall Construction was selected from a national framework of suppliers to deliver the next phase of the leisure scheme. The construction team will work with the Council to finalise the build plans over the coming months.
In the summer, once the plans have been approved, the company will continue to work on the scheme, starting with the demolition of the existing frontage of the former BHS unit, and Flottergate Mall at Freshney Place, creating a new market hall for Top Town Market and then constructing the leisure scheme.
Ben Hall, Morgan Sindall Construction’s area director, said: “We believe this project will be a real game-changer for Grimsby and will breathe new life into the shopping centre. Throughout the build programme, we will deploy our Intelligent Solutions approach, which sees us utilise cutting edge technology to create unique, sustainable and inspiring places for our customers.
“We are also looking forward to bringing employment opportunities to local people, and in working with local schools and colleges to introduce young people to the construction industry.”
Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the Council, said: “This is a time of real rejuvenation for the town centre, with the schemes from the Town Centre Masterplan being delivered – not just Freshney Place and the associated market and leisure development, but the other schemes like Riverhead, alongside the creative and heritage elements.
“We’ve seen from Freshney Place that the footfall is increasing, with shoppers coming to purchase rather than browse, and most of the units in the centre are now occupied.
“The work that we are doing will hopefully encourage people to use the town centre more, to make it a thriving heart of our borough and reverse the long-term decline of years gone by.”
Image shows Ben Hall and Philip Jackson
Work to start on site at Riverhead in Grimsby
Work is due to start on site at Riverhead in Grimsby next week (Monday 20 March) to create a new open space in the centre of town.
Since the hoardings went up, the main contractors have been secured, and the build programme finalised. Additionally, work has been going on behind the hoardings to remove old trees, clear out old pipework and cables, and prepare the site for the start of the works.
In the coming months, the existing square will be completely re-remodelled, funded as one of the projects included in the Town Deal, the money for which was secured in 2020 and is ringfenced for specific projects.
The scheme will see the existing area changed to incorporate a lot more green-space and planting, as well as providing new seating, lighting, security and a flexible event space with improved infrastructure to support future events and activities. There will also be space for outdoor café seating at the entrance to Freshney Place.
Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the Council, said: “This scheme will create a much more pleasant area for our residents and businesses and encourage more people to use the town centre. It’s part of our wider town centre ambitions that will also see, subject to planning permission, the western end of Freshney Place remodelled to introduce more leisure activities to the area.
“It’s vital for our borough that we look at Grimsby Town Centre with a real determination to attract families and people of all ages, so we can bring vibrancy back and make it a place where people want to visit at all times of the day.”
The new designs, approved at the Council’s Cabinet meeting in November, were drawn up by Arup Landscape Design, and incorporated input from local people, including children and young people, from recent consultations and engagement, in terms of what they want to see in the area.
The works on Riverhead are being managed by Equans on behalf of the Council and will hopefully be complete by the end of the year.
Mother’s Day gift ideas for horse lovers
With less than a week to go until Mother’s Day, there’s plenty of time to search for the most perfect gift to show that special lady she means the world to you.
For horse loving mums, Bransby Horses is the perfect place to pick up a thoughtful, equine related gift either online or in their shop in Bransby, just north of Lincoln.
There’s something for every budget and if money is tight, why not treat her with a surprise day trip to the welfare charity, as it’s completely free to visit.
There’s a wonderful café serving delicious hot food and cake and miles of wheelchair and pushchair friendly walkways to take a stroll along.
There are over 280 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules onsite as well as a fantastic children’s play park and picnic area.
Here are Bransby Horses’ top 10 gift ideas which can be bought through their online shop or at their Visitor’s Centre in Bransby near Lincoln:
- Afternoon Tea in the Bransby Horses Café for £26 – please book at least 24 hours ahead (email cafe@bransbyhorses.co.uk to book)
- Sponsor a Bransby Horses’ resident from their Sponsorship Star scheme. This is a great way to support the animals in the charity’s care, and also means you have a special friend to come and visit or read about in Bransby Horses’ updates. From just £3 a month or £36 for the year you can help to support a horse, pony, donkey or mule: BransbyHorses.co.uk/sponsor
- Bransby Horses Four Hooves cotton apron: £9.95
- Bransby Horses key ring: £3.50
- Horse placement mats: set of four for £8.95
- Winter Costs – Food & Care: During the winter, the charity has extra costs to cover to keep all of its equines warm and fed as the weather turns colder. By donating towards its general funds, you will be making a real difference to the lives of hundreds of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules: £10
- Horse Travel Mug: £9.95
- Emerald Purse: £8.95
- Friends of Bransby Horses membership from £5 a month. Subscribers receive: An exclusive pin badge; Exclusive product offers; A quarterly newsletter; VIP event invitations and the Bransby Horses Annual Review covering how your donation has helped.
- Horse Whispers Oven Gloves: £12.95
Lincoln prepares for invasion of the dinosaurs
Lincoln will see an invasion of dinosaurs this Easter. From April 1st – 16th there will be a range of dinosaur themed activities, events, and street dressing (including dinosaur footprints and three caged dinosaurs hidden around the city) to get everyone involved.
Get ready to unearth an amazing T-Rex fossil at our DinoDig site and say hello to the Dino Rangers & the baby Rex at the meet and greets. There will also be an amazing lifelike animatronic T-Rex at the Dino Paddock, but approach with caution…
Inspired by his son’s love for dinosaurs, Ben Webb (MD at Immersive Hire and Founder of DinoDig) wanted to create a pop-up event space that was fun, inspirational and unique. He designed the attraction to have something for children of all ages to enjoy.
Ben added: “I think the fossil pit will be popular and we’re providing small wooden brushes for the guests to unearth our impressive complete T-Rex fossil.
“We’ve also got some fun face-hole photo boards and we’d love guests to tag us in their pictures using @dinodiguk #dinodig! We’re hugely excited to be debuting this pop-up attraction in Lincoln and we can’t wait to see guests enjoying a truly immersive experience.”
Lush, Lincoln will be present at the DinoDig site on the Cornhill Quarter providing the opportunity for everyone to make a comforter dino bar on the 1st, 8th and 15th April, 11am – 2pm. However, this event is first come, first served.
Lincoln will also experience a ‘Dino’s on the Loose’ immersive storybook created by artist Sian Ellis. This is a free self-guided trail across Lincoln’s Cornhill, with 8 dinosaurs to track down.
Sian said: “At each stop you’ll find the entertaining escapades of some escaped dinos, each adventured designed in partnership with each of the businesses”.
Sian went on to say “I’m really excited to be working with Lincoln BIG and business around the Cornhill Quarter to deliver the fiercely fun Dinos on the Loose trail over the Easter break. The trail runs as part of a jam-packed programme of dinosaur activities which will offer families a great free day out.”
Lincoln BIG is also teaming up with LoyalFree and encourage everyone to download the app for FREE and check in at each dinosaur location for the chance to win a roar-some prize!
The Dino’s on the Loose project has been made possible with the support of Lincoln Creates, which is a Lincoln BIG initiative supporting new creative art projects in Lincoln City Centre – promoting collaboration between artists and local businesses. Following her successful application to the programme in August 2022, Sian was awarded a grant of £2,473 from the Lincoln Creates fund. We’d like to thank the businesses involved in the project, including Lush, Joules, Doughnotts, Sharpes Sweets, Tortilla, HMV, Card Factory and Burnetts Sandwich Co., without their involvement and support, the project couldn’t take place.
Travelling in your 70s: tips for adventurous seniors
Retirement is when most people are free from many of life’s normal responsibilities. Those who have had children will find their children have moved out and are living their own lives, which means there is much more free time for an older person to spend on themselves.
With more free time, what better time is there to go on holiday? Unfortunately, many older people are of the opinion that holidays are reserved for the young. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, you are perfectly capable of getting out there and exploring the world well into your old age. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. Check out these top tips for travelling in your 70s.
Prioritise Your Health
Many over 70s are still fighting fit and ready to take on the world. However, aging does increase the risk of developing certain diseases and health conditions, many of which require regular management and medical attention. Accessing healthcare services abroad can be logistically difficult and also incredibly expensive. The last thing you want is to realise medicine that would be free or cheap back home is several times the price abroad.
This is why it’s so essential to get insured before your trip. You will have to find a provider who offers travel insurance that is tailored to over 70s. A good provider will cover any potential health expenses for those suffering from any pre-existing medical conditions, as well as for missed connections and lost baggage. It’s best to get your holiday insurance before your trip so you’ll be able to enjoy your holiday worry-free.
Choose The Right Destination
Gone are the days when our holiday options were limited to a few European cities and resorts. Now, we can fly to just about anywhere we can imagine. Even locations not accessible from your local airport can be easily reached through connecting flights.
As an older traveller, you’ll need to think carefully when deciding where to go on holiday. Generally speaking, an adventure holiday in the Amazon jungle or a Himalayan mountaineering expedition won’t be particularly suitable for elderly holidaymakers. Instead, opt for a city break in one of Europe’s many cultural hubs, or visit a luxury hotel in a beautiful coastal town. Cities and hotels offer both incredible comfort and accessibility. You’ll have everything you need nearby, without the need to travel far.
Get To The Airport Early
Airports are often the most stressful part of the whole holiday experience. You have to deal with large crowds, long queues, and invasive security checks, all with the fear of missing your flight hanging over your head.
In your younger years, you might have been capable of zipping through the airport at breakneck speed and making it onto your flight with time to spare. However, we slow down considerably as we get older, so it’s important you arrive at the airport early to give yourself plenty of time. What’s more, many airport processes such as ticket and passport checks are fully digitised and automated these days, which can be difficult to navigate for older, less tech-savvy travellers, giving you even more reason to arrive at the airport early.
Travel Light
How much you pack will largely depend on how long you are going away for, but it’s important to not overpack and avoid giving yourself several heavy bags to carry. You could be standing around waiting for a long time in the airport, and could be faced with a substantial walk to your hotel after you land. Carrying heavy bags around can be exhausting and can seriously impact your enjoyment of your holiday.
Conclusion
Don’t assume your travelling days are behind you just because you’re getting on in years. Use this guide to plan and prepare for the perfect holiday experience.
Cross Keys head chef sets sights on the Swallow Inn for delicious new adventure
Steph Dexter, the head chef and brains behind the Cross Keys Inn in Grasby, is embarking on a new adventure – running the Swallow Inn.
With amazing views spreading right across the Wolds, the pub makes for the perfect rest stop for walkers, runners, bikers and dog walkers, for some much needed refreshments. Located in the village of Swallow it is only a few miles walk away from local villages and a quick drive away from Laceby and Grimsby.
The traditional style pub prides itself on delivering excellent service, food and drinks in comfortable surroundings.
While running the Swallow Inn, Steph Dexter will also be head chef at the village pub, offering homemade food ranging from a lighter lunch menu to traditional pub classics and Al La Carte Specials.
Steph began her journey at the young age of 16 by working at The White Hart Hotel in Lincoln, whilst also studying catering at college. She then went on to work at Doubletree By The Hilton where she continued her training.
After leaving The Hilton Steph then landed the head chef job at the Horse And Groom where she was able to pick up even more experience. Steph now runs the Cross Keys Inn in Grasby, with the Cross Keys team and the Swallow team working together to run these two kitchens side by side.
Refurbishment work gets under way at Wyndham Park tennis courts
Work is under way to refurbish tennis courts at Wyndham Park thanks to a partnership between South Kesteven District Council and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).
The LTA Tennis Foundation is funding the work with an investment of £61,326, delivered as part of its nationwide Parks Tennis Project to open up the sport to more people and bring public park courts back to life for the benefit of local communities.
The work is expected to be completed by early May with the courts managed by Grantham Tennis Club.
SKDC will also work with Grantham Tennis Club and the LTA to deliver a range of activities, including weekly free park tennis sessions for all ages, playing levels and experience, with racquets provided.
Local Tennis Leagues will provide friendly, sociable, opportunities to get active through local competition and new gate-access technology and booking systems will improve court accessibility for both Wyndham Park and Dysart Park courts.
Cllr Kelham Cooke, the leader of South Kesteven District Council, said: “We are very grateful for such a significant investment. It’s a great partnership for us with the LTA and Grantham Tennis Club and we look forward to seeing Wyndham Park’s public tennis courts in better shape and back in full use.
“Both Wyndham Park and Dysart Park are holders of the prestigious Green Flag award, recognising the contribution they make to the community, and improved access to sports facilities will significantly enhance that contribution.
“Free tennis sessions for all ages and playing levels will also be incredibly valuable for people to improve their tennis or to take up the sport, and I am sure will be very popular.”
Julie Porter, LTA chief operating officer, said: “We are delighted to be working with South Kesteven District Council to improve their park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and get active.
“This investment is part of the UK Government and LTA’s Parks Tennis Project, and will mean that courts will be available for people to use for years to come. We will also be working closely with South Kesteven District Council to ensure that the local community have a range of accessible opportunities to get on court and open up our sport to many more people.”
Image: The Memorial Archway at the entrance to Wyndham Park.
South Holland District Council working with partners to create new ‘Holbeach Health Hub’
South Holland District Council is working with partners from NHS Lincolnshire, the Primary Care Network and Holbeach Medical Practice on proposals to create a new ‘Holbeach Health Hub’ within the town centre, with the aim of providing residents with new, expanded healthcare provision.
The project, which is a key part of the Council’s Town Centre Improvement Plan for Holbeach, aims to support the existing practice in relocating and expanding into new premises, helping it to meet the needs of a growing population in the town, to increase the range of healthcare services available and to support the regeneration of the town centre.
Whilst work is still ongoing to make the proposals a reality, the plans have been able to be brought together and progressed with the support of investment from the Council’s existing Holbeach Town Centre Improvement Programme.
As well as aiming to provide an improved healthcare service to residents using the facilities, remaining in a prominent central location will also encourage greater footfall by patients through the town and increase their opportunities to visit, shop, eat or drink at some of Holbeach’s town centre businesses and traders.
The plans have come about as part of a new, progressive nationwide approach towards high street and town centre regeneration, adopted by the Council and championed by the NHS and Social Market Foundation as part of the ‘Health on the High Street’ campaign, which came about following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Councillor Nick Worth, deputy leader and portfolio holder for Holbeach Town Improvement, said: “I think it is vitally important that we approach the need to both improve and protect our town centres in a variety of different ways, and I welcome the opportunity to work with healthcare partners on this new, forward-thinking approach.
“This is an exciting project that will potentially have a great benefit for those accessing healthcare services and for our town and businesses, who need people’s support more than ever. I believe it can help to meet the need of residents both now and into the future and help to ensure Holbeach remains a great place to live, work and visit.”
Dr Viji Mani and Dr Jagath Gunasekara, Holbeach Medical Centre partners, said: “We are pleased to be working with South Holland District Council and the NHS on these ambitious new proposals, to look at how we can enhance our offer to our patients and increase our overall capacity and service as a healthcare centre, to the benefit of us, our service users and the whole of Holbeach.”
