Donation backs youth workers in efforts to reduce anti-social behaviour
Life in parts of Lincolnshire is being enhanced thanks to young lives being turned around with the help of funds from Freemasons which support the efforts of YMCA youth workers.
A team of six youth workers based at The Showroom on Tritton Road in Lincoln work with more than 2,500 young people aged between five and 25 to encourage positive behaviour, saving Police time in dealing with crime and council funds in putting right damage caused.
The work isn’t exclusively Lincoln-based; the team also works on RAF bases and the Lincolnshire coast, in areas of high deprivation.
And although funding for local youth work has been cut by 91% – more than £1.1bn – in recent years, positive outcomes are still being achieved thanks to donations like the £39,600 just given by the Freemasons’ charity the MCF. Says Head of Youth Services Leo Copsey: “‘We’re so grateful for this significant amount of funding from the Masonic Charitable Foundation – it represents and supports the core aims of our youth delivery, the impact of which is recognised by schools and local authorities. With a grant of this size, we can reach an additional 400 young people through our interventions.”
But it pays dividends, says Leo. Opening The Showroom for young people for a couple of hours every weeknight after school and before they eat an evening meal reduces the window of opportunity for them to get involved in mischief and anti-social behaviour in areas where fierce pride in their own postcode areas can generate a gang culture and violence. Opening hours will be extended in February to include 10am to 4pm on Saturdays.
The positive outcomes achieved are significant. As Leo explained: “Undoing ten or more years of bad or absent parenting takes a lot of work. One young man used to be arrested two or three times a week because a night in the cells was better than being at home, and he was in school less than ten minutes a day. He’s now in a different school, attending much more regularly, and hasn’t been arrested for a long time. The YMCA supported him in making that change, and it’s the kind of change your funding helps to deliver.”
At The Showroom there are traditional youth club activities alongside sports and the ‘softer’ activities like photography, art, and music. Monday sessions and our bespoke support packages are all free, and the young people attending do so out of choice.
PGM Dave Wheeler said: “Our donation to activities at The Showroom clearly has a huge positive impact, but charity isn’t just about giving money. Lots of Freemasons ask what they can do for the communities in which we live. Getting involved with initiatives like the work done by the dedicated YMCA professionals at The Showroom would be a great place to start.”
Skegness golf event marks Association’s centenary
Lincolnshire’s golfing Freemasons are going back to their beginning to stage a centenary golf match by holding it at one of the first courses played by their members – Seacroft Golf Club at Skegness.
And in Freemasonry’s growing spirit of openness the competition is open to Freemasons and non-Freemasons alike, including men, women, and juniors. The only requirement is that anyone who wants to take part on August 11th this year must hold a WHS handicap.
Said Barrie Graham, one of the organising team from the Lincolnshire Masonic Golfing Association: “We’ve taken the decision to open the competition to all golfers in the spirit of today’s Freemasonry, which is far more open than many people have come to believe. By inviting non-Freemasons to join us for this milestone event we hope that we can show how open and welcoming we are, and to allow others to understand a little more of Freemasonry – which was more than 200 years old before the Golfing Association was created.”
Throughout the last century Association members have been raising money for charity, and its hoped that in the Centenary year it’ll be possible to push the total raised over that time to £50,000.
“We’re running a raffle, with some truly spectacular prizes, like five-star accommodation for a long weekend at Estoril in Portugal, worth £1,000, free golf, and the opportunity to fly over Lincolnshire in a light aircraft.” Money raised is to be given to the national Freemasons’ charity the MCF, which supports worthy causes throughout the UK, including Lincolnshire. The Charity gives about £60,000 every day to non-masonic good causes, including the Hospice movement, Air Ambulances, medical research, and small local organisations.
The competition is to be played as an Open Four-Ball Am-Am, with an entry fee of £190 per team, which will include drinks at the half-way stage and a meal in the clubhouse afterwards. “That’s a bargain price, and we’re very grateful to the Club for making it possible,” said Barrie. “Normal fees for four people to play this lovely Links course would cost half as much again, without a meal.”
Entries can be submitted online at LincolnshireFreemasonsGolf.org, where it’s also possible to request tee times and view the Club’s impressive range of trophies.
College students help NHS prepare for future emergencies
Students from Grimsby Institute swapped their classroom for an A&E Department as they volunteered to take part in an NHS emergency planning exercise.
The Level 3 Uniformed Public Service students arrived at Lincoln and Pilgrim hospitals and acted as casualties who had been involved in a chemical spillage accident as part of a recent United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT) emergency planning exercise.
Hospital staff then enacted well-rehearsed plans that saw the students assessed outside of the Emergency Departments and directed to a purpose-built unit where they were guided through the decontamination process.
ULHT Head of Emergency Planning, Nick Leeming, said: “Our teams receive regular updates and training so that they are prepared for any emergency. It is great for them to have the opportunity to practice their response to these types of incidents using all of our equipment and facilities, with the help of volunteers.”
Hospital staff came into work especially for the exercise, donned full protective suits and guided the students and lecturers through the process.
Grimsby Institute Lecturer, Cain Matthews, said: “The students are learning about emergency planning and response and so to have this opportunity to be involved really is so valuable for them. Seeing all of the effort that goes into planning and preparing for such emergencies has been a real eye-opener and something they will always remember throughout their studies and future careers.”
Josh Gude was one of the students who took part at Lincoln County Hospital. He said: “It was really good to be involved, you really felt the sense of urgency. It was great to have an insight into what happens behind closed doors in these kinds of emergencies.”
Nick added: “Thank you to Grimsby Institute and all of the students and lecturers who have supported us. We all hope that we never need to use these units, but I know how much our staff appreciate being able to practice and have these exercises so that they can build on their experience.”
Woman handed six years for arson
A woman who set fire to her neighbour’s flat after a disagreement has been sentenced to six years in prison following her appearance at court last week.
Janie Peckitt, aged 57, of Haycroft Street in Grimsby appeared before Grimsby Crown Court on Wednesday 25 January for sentencing after pleading guilty to arson with intent to endanger life and the assault of an emergency worker at an earlier date.
On Wednesday 10 August 2022, Janie Peckitt had an argument with a resident at a neighbouring property.
Following the altercation, Janie made attempts to confirm which address the neighbour lived at so she could seek revenge by setting fire to the premises.
Armed with lighter fluid on Thursday 11 August 2022, she sent pictures to associates asking for an alibi in an attempt to cover her tracks for the reckless crime she was about to commit at a premises on Macaulay Way in Grimsby.
Janie doused an item in lighter fluid and posted it through the door of the neighbour she believed to be living there. Unbeknown to her, it was in fact the home of an elderly man who did not know who Janie was.
Thankfully, nobody was seriously injured as a result of the incident and Janie was arrested at the scene.
Detective Constable Jak Shephard, leading the investigation, said: “This was a reckless attack which could have caused significant consequences to an innocent member of the public.
“I hope the sentence will provide Janie with some time to reflect on her unforgiveable actions and provide the community with some reassurance that nobody else will come to harm at the hands of this woman.”
Win a pair of tickets to Classic Ibiza at Burghley House…
Classic Ibiza makes its much-anticipated return to Burghley House on Saturday 29 July, with its heady blend of Balearic-infused dance music. With the show due to sell out, we’re offering two lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets worth £96.
Headlined by the 32-piece Urban Soul Orchestra, who have played with the likes of Groove Armada, Nightmares on Wax and Robert Miles, the family-friendly concert also sees performances from DJ Goldierocks, globally renowned vocalists and former Pacha Ibiza resident, DJ Jose Luis.
That’s over five hours of the very best in stately house music, accompanied by a truly awesome laser & light show! Bring your own picnic and make sure you pack your dancing shoes for an evening of tracks from Faithless, Laurent Garnier, The Chemical Brothers and many more.
Tickets: Adults (over 18s): £48, Children (aged 5–17): £24, Under 5s: free.
Car-parking is free and there are no booking fees. Local street food vendors and the San Miguel bar are also available on site.
To book tickets or for more information on this spectacular family-friendly concert, visit: www.classicibiza.co.uk
HOW TO ENTER
To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to Classic Ibiza, just answer the following question correctly – name the orchestra that headlines Classic Ibiza – and send to competitions@blmgroup.co.uk with the subject heading ‘Classic Ibiza’.
Entries close at 23:59 on Sunday 30 April 2023.
“Perverted” man sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of four offences
A “perverted” man has been sentenced to 10 years behind bars, and given a Stalking and Harassment Prevention Order (SHPO) and a restraining order following his appearance at court.
Stephen Linley, aged 57 of West Parade, Lincoln appeared at Grimsby Crown Court on Thursday 19 January for sentencing after pleading not guilty to the offences.
Linley was charged with rape and sexual assault and was later found guilty of three counts of sexual assault of a child and one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.
Abusing his position of trust, he exploited his victim’s vulnerabilities and preyed on their innocence for his own sexual gratification.
Detective Sergeant Kirstie Hinds leading the investigation said: “The courage that his victim has shown throughout the entirety of this investigation has been phenomenal. Their sheer bravery in coming forward and reporting this offence has been key in obtaining this positive outcome.
“I know this does not take away the hurt he has caused to the victim and their loved ones, but I hope the outcome will provide them with some closure in knowing that nobody else can come to harm at the hands of this perverted and manipulative man.
“I would like to provide reassurance to anyone who may have suffered sexual abuse, if you come to us, we will listen to and support you and act against those responsible.
“All victims are encouraged to speak to us or partner agencies, when they’re ready, whether they decide to pursue through the justice system or not. You will be believed, and we will thoroughly investigate your report.
“If you have been the victim of rape or sexual assault, you can speak to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, or you can report directly through our 101 number, or 999 in an emergency.”
New £5.6m Resuscitation Department to treat the county’s sickest emergency patients
A massive new expansion to Lincoln County Hospital’s Emergency Department is about to open to treat the sickest emergency patients.
The new 2,000 square metre Resuscitation Department (resus) is the area within the Emergency Department where patients will be taken if they need life-saving treatment immediately.
It contains eight treatment cubicles, all fitted with patient hoists and the latest equipment needed to provide life-saving support for patients.
The cubicles also have adjoining rooms where staff can safely put on any additional protection to care for patients with infectious conditions, such as flu and COVID-19. They can then safely remove any of the masks, aprons and gloves in the same rooms before returning to areas with other patients and staff.
The new Resus Department also includes a central hub for the team looking after patients, containing monitors and other technology.
One of the new innovations is the fact that ambulance crews will bring patients into the department over a weighbridge, which will enable the Resus Team to work out and administer correct levels of medication to patients more quickly.
There is also a dedicated room where loved ones can spend precious time with those who have passed away in the department.
The new department replaces the existing four resus bays in the hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) – doubling the number of cubicles available and with each cubicle over 20% larger than previously.
The new building has been built alongside the current ED, in an area where the old ambulance bays and parking for the Lincolnshire Heart Centre used to be.
It also houses staff rooms, office and training rooms, as well as a plant room to house all of the pipework, infrastructure and air handling units needed for the new department.
Directly outside of the unit are the new ambulance bays for the ED, with entrances directly into the resuscitation and majors areas.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust Chief Executive, Andrew Morgan, said: “I am so pleased to be able to say that we now have a Resus Department at Lincoln County Hospital that is the right size and environment for our teams to provide the care that is needed for our sickest patients.
“The resus bays and nurses station alone are more than five times bigger than what the team has been using. We also have the additions of staff rooms, training areas, a family room and all of the state-of-the-art equipment and technology throughout.
“I would like to thank all of our teams, patients and visitors for their co-operation during the disruption caused by the building works. It has enabled us to create a department where we can see and treat our patients quicker and ensure that everyone is getting the level of care that they require. It will also make sure the department is not only fit for today, but also for the future.”
This is the latest phase in the transformation of the Emergency Department at Lincoln County Hospital. The first phase saw a £3.5 million new Urgent Treatment Centre built alongside the existing ED in March 2021.
A new paediatrics area has also been created within the Emergency Department with its own dedicated waiting room and treatment cubicles to care for the youngest patients and their families.
Additional treatment rooms for mental health patients have also been created. Staff are already using new staff areas when they are taking their breaks.
Andrew added: “What we have managed to achieve here has been done during a global pandemic and while we were recovering from an arson attack that caused massive disruption for many months to the department. It has been a huge team effort and our teams have done an amazing job creating a new state-of-the-art department while also continuing to care for our emergency patients.
“I would also like to thank all of our partner organisations, our contractors and our dedicated teams for making this possible. I am so proud of everyone involved and what we have managed to achieve together.”
Riverside meadow set to become Grimsby’s newest nature reserve
North East Lincolnshire is set have a new Local Nature Reserve designated on grassland next to the River Freshney in the town’s Yarborough ward.
Known as Freshney Parkway, the new Local Nature Reserve can be found east of Great Coates Road, between St Michael’s Church and the River Freshney.
Back in the 1980s, the Council planted many trees and landscaped the area. Since then, the area has returned to nature and is now a haven for wildlife including birds, deer, mammals, invertebrates and wildflowers.
Most of the site is grassland and the Council’s long-term objectives are to develop and maintain areas of meadow with as many species of native grasses and wildflowers as possible.
Trees line the southern and eastern borders of Freshney Parkway. These woodlands will be managed to improve the natural habitat.
Freshney Parkway is also appreciated by people living nearby and is popular with dog walkers and other recreational users.
By designating it as a Local Nature Reserve, the Council aims to raise the site’s profile as well as enhancing it for wildlife conservation and as a recreational space.
Cllr Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for Environment and Transport at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Freshney Parkway is a much-loved green space at the heart of its community where people can connect with nature.
“Making the site a Local Nature Reserve will elevate its status and means we can enhance and conserve the natural habitat.
“We also have ambitions to make it part of a traffic-free walking and cycling route between the town centre and outlying areas.
“It has fantastic potential for local schools and community groups to get closer to the environment on their doorstep, and nearby habitat such as Town’s Holt could become part of a larger reserve in the future.”
Ward member Cllr Martyn Sandford added: “The new designated Local Nature Reserve is a gem in the crown of the Yarborough ward.
“There are lots of things to see in the reserve, such as roe deer, muntjac deer, voles, kingfishers and even an unusual brown and beige magpie.
“The designation also offers educational benefits as well. For instance, local schools can benefit from learning more about what they can find in the Parkway and how to look after it.”
Construction of 96 new energy efficient homes begins in Ancaster
Bellway has begun building 96 energy efficient homes at a new housing development in Ancaster.
The Willows is one of the first developments being delivered by the housebuilder’s Eastern Counties division where all homes will be fitted with environmentally friendly air-source heat pumps instead of gas boilers.
Construction work is now under way at the site off Wilsford Lane after South Kesteven District Council granted planning permission for the development in 2022.
The development will comprise 67 properties for private sale, including a range of three to four-bedroom houses, as well as 29 affordable homes for local people through shared ownership or low-cost renting.
There will also be a public open space, a play area and a green edge with a footpath around the site.
The heat pumps, which run on electricity instead of natural gas, consume significantly less energy and will enable homeowners to minimise their fuel bills and reduce their carbon footprint.
Rhiannon Jones, head of sales for Bellway Eastern Counties, said: “This development marks a significant step in our push for greater sustainability because it will be one of our first sites to exclusively feature homes supported by an eco-friendly heating system.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to future proof our homes, we are also providing electric vehicle charging points for all residents at The Willows to enable the switch away from petrol and diesel cars.
“We are expecting the development to be particularly popular with families due to the site’s proximity to Ancaster Church of England Primary School, which has been rated good by Ofsted and is located just half a mile from The Willows.
“Commuters will appreciate the good transport links, as the development is less than a mile from Ancaster railway station and just a 10-minute drive from the A15.”
Bellway is planning to release the first homes at The Willows onto the market in April 2023, with the first properties due to be completed later in the same year.
What is Herringbone flooring? We explore and list the benefits
At some point, you might find it necessary to replace the flooring in your home. Perhaps you want to redecorate, and the current floor wouldn’t fit with your new vision. Or you might find out that there is damage that isn’t possible to repair. If you’re looking for a timeless, elegant design, you might want to consider the option of Herringbone flooring.
The Herringbone style is easy to recognise, with the rectangular blocks of hardwood laid in a pattern resembling a fish’s bone structure, more specifically, a herring. This style of flooring has been around for centuries and is suitable for both residential and commercial buildings. Here are the benefits you should know about before you install Herringbone flooring in your home.
Add Aesthetic Flair To The Interior
The zigzag pattern that the Herringbone flooring offers can light up any room. No matter what your interior design preferences are, the flooring might make a significant impact and bring in a breath of timeless elegance. These days, Herringbone flooring is available in many materials and various colours that can help you to reach any design objectives that you might have. Companies like Floors Direct offer a variety of LVT Herringbone flooring and can help you to find the perfect fit for the needs of your project. Regardless of the colour or material that you choose, there is no doubt that this style of flooring can help you to bring any room to new heights and upgrade its overall appearance.
Take Advantage Of The Flooring’s Durability
One of the most significant benefits that Herringbone flooring can bring to your interior is its durability. If you’re looking for flooring that can last for years to come and doesn’t get damaged easily, then this might be an ideal option for you and the needs of your project. With such flooring in your home, you’ll be able to enjoy precious moments with your family without needing to worry about scratches or spillages that might cause damage to other materials. The thickness of the parquets also makes it possible for you to resurface them when needed without damaging the flooring. Thanks to its durability and longevity, the flooring is ideal for busy homes where families want to enjoy life without having to worry about damaging the floor with the smallest accidents.
Create An Illusion Of More Space In Smaller Rooms
When you want to redecorate a small room, there are many tried and tested tricks that can help you to make the space look bigger. For instance, you might want to consider working with light colours that can make the room seem more spacious. You can also decorate the walls with mirrors that can reflect any natural light coming into the room throughout the day. It’s also often recommended that you equip the area with leggy furniture that can allow the light to spread in every nook and cranny of the room. However, you can also make a significant difference with the choice of flooring. The pattern of Herringbone flooring can help you to make the room look wider and more spacious. And if you choose flooring in lighter colours, you might intensify its impact on the interior.
Enjoy The Easy Maintenance
Another reason why Herringbone is so popular and versatile is its easy maintenance. When you have a family with small children, some spillages are bound to happen. However, with this kind of flooring, you don’t need to panic about the impact such accidents could have on the material. Herringbone flooring is exceptionally easy to clean, and you can swipe any spillages with minimum effort. The flooring also has a protective layer that stops stains from soaking in. Due to these characteristics and the ease of maintenance, you’ll be able to keep your home looking beautiful for many years. Being able to get rid of dust and dirt easily will also allow you to keep your family healthy and safe from allergens.
Conclusion: Bring Timeless Elegance Into The Interior
Herringbone flooring is versatile and can bring more character into any home. With its durability, longevity and easy maintenance, it’s also an ideal solution for families with small children. You won’t need to worry about stains or getting stressed over scratches on the floor. There are many colours and finishes available on the market, so you should be able to find a solution that suits your needs and requirements. Herringbone flooring has been popular for centuries, and the trend doesn’t show any signs of stopping. Use the pattern to bring more timeless elegance into the interior and take advantage of a design that will never go out of style. Before you proceed with the purchase of the flooring, remember to measure the room correctly and conduct thorough research so you can avoid unpleasant situations.
