Two charities based in Lincolnshire have received a £1,000 Christmas gift thanks to the Benefact Group. The charities were nominated to win a share of £120,000 by members of the public as part of the Benefact Group’s annual 12 days of giving Christmas campaign. Doris Banham Dog Rescue, a charity rehoming dogs scheduled for destruction from council pounds, and Great Casterton Church Charity Lands, which raises funds for the maintenance of the fabric and ornaments of the church, are the local charities set to benefit from the money following overwhelming public support in the area. Almost 2,000 Lincolnshire residents nominated a cause close to their hearts, with 1,200 charitable causes in the area receiving votes. The 120 winning charities across the UK were picked at random from those nominated. Thanking supporters in Lincolnshire, Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, said: “Charitable giving is at the heart of our business at the Benefact Group. We are delighted to be giving back to deserving charitable causes once more with our annual 12 days of giving Christmas campaign, part of our Movement for Good Awards. In these challenging times, we know that £1,000 can make a real difference and we’re looking forward to seeing how this festive financial boost will changes lives for the better and bring a positive start to 2023. “Out of some five million companies in the UK, we are the fourth largest corporate donor and have an ambition to be the largest. As a Group of financial service businesses, uniquely owned by a charity, all available profits go to good causes, and the more our loyal customers support us to grow, the more the Group can give. As a company, our purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society and, together, we can help many good causes to continue their support for those who need it most in these difficult times.”

Breast cancer awareness across South Kesteven has moved up a gear with the launch of an unmissable pink refuse collection lorry. The South Kesteven District Council vehicle has taken cancer charities’ call to ‘Wear It Pink’ to another level, with prominent health check adverts on each side. It will go into service immediately. The launch of the freighter – weighing 26 tonnes when fully laden – underlines health messages broadcast annually as part of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month and national ‘Wear It Pink Day’. It’s a colourful demonstration of the Council’s continuing support for the cause and, specifically, Breast Friends Grantham, a support group formed by breast cancer survivor and SKDC employee Rachael Bradley. The group, open to men and women, now has 120 members from across the district. Cllr Kelham Cooke, leader of South Kesteven District Council, said: “We are proud to be providing a highly unusual vehicle to take vitally important messages right across the district. “Our new freighter is the ultimate in wearing it pink, all year round, and it carries advice which can literally save lives.” The Council has worked closely with its lorry supplier, Dennis Eagle, who were delighted to support such a good cause with a pink paint job on a freighter already on order for the refuse collection fleet. The new vehicle was always scheduled for delivery to join the fleet, so there was no extra cost to the council for either the lorry or the pink paintwork. Rachael said: “I am absolutely over the moon to think that we will have this lorry spreading such a vital message day in and day out, and I am so grateful to the Council. It’s amazing, and it’s going to make a real difference. “I know first-hand what it’s like to suffer this dreadful disease, and I have lost friends and family to it. The more we can do to raise awareness of what to look for, the better our chances of helping others.” TV personality Julia Bradbury, herself a breast cancer sufferer, has sent Rachael a handwritten good-wishes note along with a ‘Boots for Boobs’ t-shirt which she designed. Diagnosed with breast cancer at the start of the Covid pandemic in March 2020, Rachael Bradley is now in remission and works tirelessly to help other sufferers. Rachael’s work to help others through Breast Friends Grantham led to her role as a batonbearer in the Queen’s Baton Relay through Grantham before last summer’s 2022 Commonwealth Games.

One of Lincoln’s best-loved venues has been honoured with national recognition at the ‘Oscars’ of the events and venues industry. The Blue Room, on Union Road in Lincoln, was presented with the Bronze award for the UK’s Best Unusual Venue at the M&IT Awards in London. To celebrate the achievement, a special Wedding and Events Showcase will be held at The Blue Room on 26^th February to give visitors the chance to see what makes the venue so special. The Blue Room is housed in the 200-year-old, Grade II listed Lawn building, set in lavish grounds and is a unique venue which was originally purpose-built as a Victorian ballroom. It has been lovingly refurbished and boasts amazing period features including an eye-catching stained-glass, arched window for a stunning backdrop to any occasion. Karis Hildred, Events Manager at The Lawn said: “We’re absolutely delighted that our special and unique venue has received such national recognition. I’m really looking forward to welcoming visitors to our special showcase event so they can see what makes our venue and services award-winning. “We’ll treat our guests to delicious canapes, prosecco and offer advice on planning the perfect wedding or event. They’ll also get to meet some of our trusted experts who arrange every detail for all occasions, including room dressing, lighting, menus and more. I’ll be pleased to arrange personal tours of our building too. “The Blue Room was up against stiff competition and some of the biggest names in the industry. The team and I are thrilled. “The Wedding & Event showcase on 26^th February is the perfect opportunity to discover more about our range of services and spaces. I’m proud of my team who work tirelessly to ensure that every event and performance we host, from weddings and business functions, to sell-out theatrical shows are uniquely memorable, delivered seamlessly so our guests come back time and again.” The Blue Room is just one of the spaces at The Lawn building which also offers office space rental, wedding ceremonies, life celebrations and business functions. The Wedding & Event Showcase on 26^th February from 10am to 3pm is set to be the perfect opportunity for anyone planning a wedding, event or business function. Places can be booked now by registering here: Wedding & Events Showcase | The Lawn (lawnlincoln.com)

Lincolnshire Police are appealing for information following the burglary of a theatre school in Lincoln. On Wednesday 4 January, the police received a call at 12.52pm with a report of a burglary taking place at the Curious Theatre School on Clasketgate. Theatrical props and other equipment were reported to have been destroyed and several items, including a drum kit, keyboard and photography equipment worth thousands of pounds were stolen from the building. A 28-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday 4 January on suspicion of commercial burglary. He has been released on police bail while inquiries are ongoing. It’s believed there have been a number of people coming and going from the property between 23 December and 4 January. The Curious Theatre School supports children from all backgrounds and is also a Community Interest Company, hoping that by obtaining art and community led grants it will make even more students’ dreams come true. A GoFundMe page has been set up by a mum whose daughters attend the school to help it back on its feet. It highlights how over the Christmas closure, people have broken into the building and stolen everything, including cameras, computers, costumes, and recording equipment. People are also said to have been squatting in the building, leaving used needles and bodily fluids behind. The Curious Theatre School was set up in 2019 by actor Ayden Callaghan and presenter and West End performer Sarah Jane Honeywell.