Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) will soon say goodbye to home grown pilot Ben Hare as he leaves the life-saving charity to embark on a new adventure with his wife caring for cheetahs in South Africa. He said: “My wife has been given an opportunity to do some conservation-based field research in South Africa working with cheetahs. We met on a similar project, 5 years ago, and having worked with these beautiful cats before, it was probably only a matter of time before Africa called one of us again.” Ben is a Lincolnshire lad and since he can remember always desired to work within a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS). In fact, so keen was he to be a member of the LNAA crew that he applied to join two years before a position became available! “My parents are farmers, and I would see helicopters land on neighbouring farms to attend agricultural accidents, so I realise the value that the service has to our county, especially with its poor road network.” Ben joined LNAA in 2021 and has flown over 170 life-saving missions taking doctors and paramedics to all corners of Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire and transporting some of the most critically ill patients to hospitals across the counties and beyond. One tasking on Christmas Eve, 2022 is burned into his memory. He recalls: “Our team was activated to attend a cardiac arrest near Grantham. We were the first medical resource to arrive and after treating the patient, we flew him to Lincoln County Hospital. It was certainly the speed of our helicopter and the immediate intervention from our highly skilled HEMS medics that played a pivotal role in the patient survival.” Chief Pilot Llewis Ingamells valued the impact Ben has made at LNAA. He said: “Ben is a true ‘Lincolnshire Lad’ and will be immensely missed. Not only a superb pilot, Ben is also one of a small number of people internationally qualified to service and repair our state-of-the-art night vision goggles in-house.” Ben will keep a hand in flying helicopters alongside supporting his wife’s work as he has taken a flight role in oil and gas support, something he did prior to joining LNAA. He sums up his experience working with LNAA: “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve at LNAA and to my colleagues for the comradery and friendship over the last 18 months. HEMS is known for being difficult to find work close to your home, and many pilots travel across counties to serve an air ambulance. “That being said, I have strong family ties in Lincolnshire, and I hope that when my personal situation allows me to return to the UK, an opportunity at LNAA will again present itself. I would certainly love to come back and serve the people of my county.”

The area surrounding Grade 1 listed St Mary Le Wigford Church on Lincoln’s High Street is to be transformed with removal of hard landscaping to create a grassed area within a refined historic boundary.

Grimsby’s Fishing Heritage Centre has secured Arts Council Accreditation status for the next five years, the benchmark for well-run museums and galleries. The award demonstrates that Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre is well-managed and governed to the nationally agreed industry standard, and shows the museum takes proper care of its collections, sharing them with visitors and keeping them safe for future generations. Accreditation opens up exciting funding opportunities, allows museums to host touring exhibitions and gives access to professional advice and support. It also gives confidence to donors and sponsors who may wish to support the museum in preserving heritage and inspiring future generations. Louise Bowen, collections officer for the centre, said: “Our team provide a quality experience which engages visitors with Grimsby’s heritage, while preserving important its historical objects. We will continue to maintain this standard through development and improvement of our displays, exhibitions, and activities.” The attraction was also assessed by anonymous inspectors from Visit England earlier in the year, to be re-awarded the Visit England Quality Rose Marque, attaining one of the highest scores to date. The museum has, for the second year running, attained 100 per cent in the staff category, and an award nomination for the scheme’s Welcome Accolade. In late 2022, the attraction was honoured to beat competition to achieve the prestigious Welcome Accolade in recognition of the high standards. The report states: “As experienced at the previous assessment, staff have that ‘can do’ attitude and clearly enjoy working at the centre. There is nothing else I could have expected from them. The 2022 ‘Welcome’ Accolade is very well deserved.” The efforts of the catering team were highlighted with acknowledgement to how staff have coped during staff shortages, commenting: “Heather was working on her own in the café due to staff shortages and did an excellent job of preparing lunch for us all in a timely manner, making sure we were looked after” – as well as the unique experience that is offered by former fishermen at the site. Former Skipper Dennis Avery and former Third Hand Ron Telford also impressed the inspectors, who wrote: “They actively engaged with all visitors, tell fascinating stories from their time as trawlermen and the harsh realities of fishing life. They taught the children how to tie ropes and make secure knots and answered any questions visitors had.” Operations manager David Ornsby said: “It is very fulfilling to see the hard work of the team rewarded with nationally recognised awards like this from Visit England. It is important during challenging times to receive this positive reinforcement. The reports and meetings with the inspectors following these assessments are invaluable to us in our work to maintain these standards and to explore areas of improvement.” Councillor Tom Furneaux, portfolio holder for culture, heritage, and the visitor economy at North East Lincolnshire Council, added: “It is great to see all the staff at Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre recognised for all the work they do. From the café to the museum experience, it all makes for a truly enjoyable time, so be sure to visit and see for yourself!”

Owners of properties in Boston, East Lindsey and South Holland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £10,000 to help with loft, cavity or solid wall insulation, smart heating controls, low-energy lighting, Solar PV and even low-carbon heating systems such as Air Source Heat Pumps.

The work is being made possible thanks to additional funding secured by the South and East Lincolnshire councils Partnership secured to support more properties across South and East Lincolnshire with grants for energy efficiency improvements.

An in-depth report into future options for three historic buildings along Grimsby’s Eleanor Street has been received by North East Lincolnshire Council. The authority is now considering the ‘options appraisal’ into the possible future of Numbers 5, 7 and 9. Numbers 7 and 9, the latter being the former Art College, are Grade II Listed and the whole site sits within the Holme Hill Conservation area. Despite the properties being privately owned the appraisal was commissioned in the summer of 2022 by North East Lincolnshire Council and Historic England as dialogue continues with the buildings’ owner about a way forward. It followed well publicised issues with vandalism, intruders, and arson attacks. The authority is now starting the process of examining the major report, which was carried out by Property Regeneration experts Aspinall Verdi along with a team including architects, engineers, and cost consultants. The council will engage with the owner and stakeholders, a lead body being Historic England, to examine the recommended options and seeks to reach a conclusion as to the best way to progress, stressing that “doing nothing is not an option” for the landowner. The report looks at what could be achieved with regards to grant awards, along with examining the financial implications surrounding the buildings’ future use. It does reference demolition, but due to the structures’ historic importance, it adds that Historic England would be highly unlikely to consider this option without much greater consideration of potential uses for the preserved structures. It is also confirmed that a further security study of the site has been commissioned and received by Historic England, in conjunction with North East Lincolnshire Council, and shared with the landowner. Recommendations around urgent safety works to secure the site, protect the buildings and reduce risk to people are set out within it. North East Lincolnshire Council leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “It is important that we work with the appropriate organisations to look at our options thoroughly and make the right decisions. This will be done over the coming months in the hope that we can reach a conclusion and move forward. “This is what we want for the residents around Eleanor Street who we know have suffered in the wake of issues created by these buildings and their worsening state of repair. Whilst these buildings are privately owned, the council will do all it can to work with the relevant parties to find solutions. We need to be clear that doing nothing is not an option,” he added.

Free energy will illuminate Skegness Pier and Spalding-based FreshLinc will get the same to support its business in a UK first which sees the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership facilitate installation of two innovative and cost-effective mini wind turbines.

The Spalding turbine has an on-grid power generator system, while the turbine on Skegness Pier is off-grid and will light up the historic seaside attraction at night. The Partnership was able to bring together Ventum Dynamics with FreshLinc and Mellors Group, which is said to have the potential to start ofrevolutionising how electricity is generated, particularly for businesses with net zero carbon targets and to support clients wanting a greener supply chain. Throughout the pilot, there will be regular updates on the energy generated and how this is information is being used to inform future design tweaks. The space efficient wind turbines are quiet in operation, produce minimal vibration and can be easily mounted on rooftops. The turbines are able to capture wind from all directions without turning, making them low maintenance.

As we continue to settle into a post pandemic era the resilience of bricks and mortar retail is evident as Marshall’s Yard in Gainsborough demonstrates. The impact of COVID-19 was felt deeply at the 15-year-old shopping centre, with a number of large retailers closing down including Laura Ashley, Halfords, New Look and DW Fitness. The centre bounced back with a stronger food and beverage offer, with the opening of Caldero Lounge, and attracted more homeware and essential stores such as JYSK and The Range to the line-up creating strong footfall to the centre and appealing to changing consumer needs. Towards the back end of 2022 the centre has seen its popular opticians, Specsavers, take the former Seasalt unit allowing them the space to expand their range of vital healthcare services and team of employees into 2023. The company is fitting out now aiming to open in March. Neighbouring store, Fatface, stopped trading shortly after Christmas and is now being transformed into a trendy coffee bar which will be operated independently but offering 200 Degrees Coffee. Estates Director for Dransfield Properties, James Shepherd, said: “A combination of Covid and company voluntary arrangements (CVAs) saw a spike in store closures, however we’ve been pleased with the centre’s performance and its ability to attract well-known national brands as well as high-quality independent businesses, which has always contributed towards the centre’s diversity and popularity.” The centre’s independent department store, Browns, celebrated its 10th year at Marshall’s Yard last year and have been quick to soak up brands leaving the centre over the years ensuring they stock popular labels such as Joules and Seasalt following their departure. This has kept the Yard shopper happy and allowed Browns to continue to evolve keeping things fresh and interesting. Footfall has strongly returned and even exceeded pre-pandemic levels at Marshall’s Yard, particularly over the recent Christmas season highlighting the shopper’s desire to shop in physical stores and not just online. Centre Manager at Marshall’s Yard, Jodie Pacey, said: “Marshall’s Yard has always been more than a place to carry out shopping for people. It’s an oasis for families, couples, friends and all other parts of the community to come together, enjoy the outdoors and connect with people. “Our need for products and services is everchanging but the drive to interact with people and experience social landscapes is consistent, if not more important to people than ever.” Marshall’s Yard continues to give back to the community by holding free family events and by carrying its ongoing work with local charities.