RHS judges visit Gainsborough for East Midlands in Bloom contest
Judges from the Royal Horticultural Society have visited Gainsborough as part of the East Midlands in Bloom, casting their eyes over The Old Hall Garden, Pitt Hill Wood and Meadow, John Coupland Hospital Garden, Marshall’s Yard, Carnegie Library and the Guildhall Site.
Each year, Gainsborough in Bloom enters the town into the regional competition in a bid to gain one of the coveted awards. In previous years, the committee managed to achieve a Silver Award in both years and are striving to build towards Silver Gilt.
The judges assess the town over three categories; Horticulture Achievement, Environment Responsibility and Community Participation.
The aim of the competition is to encourage the improvement of our surroundings through the imaginative use of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping. It also aims to achieve a litter free and sustainable environment.
West Lindsey District Council Chairman Stephen Bunney said: “The volunteers involved with Gainsborough in Bloom are dedicated to the project and work tirelessly throughout the year to put on an outstanding floral display every year. On behalf of West Lindsey District Council and The Residents of Gainsborough I hope that their efforts are recognised by at least a Silver Gilt award – one better than last year’s silver. They certainly deserve it!”
The event is run by a handful of dedicated volunteers who raise various funds from various grants sources including; Self-funding, National Lottery Heritage Fund and Local Councillor Initiative. Last year they secured a National Lottery Grant for £2000 to help towards the cost of flowers, insurances and more.
During 2023, they appointed John Lynden as Chairman of the group. John set up Greener Gainsborough, which has charitable status.
In Autumn of 2023 Greener Gainsborough planted 900 bulbs around the library. Gainsborough Library also had their front garden at the entrance re-transformed. Greener Gainsborough worked with Hastings Day Centre to breathe new life into the gardens. Following the success of the project, Greener Gainsborough is hoping to continue their work around the town centre, with the aim to enhance green spaces for the local community.
In spring 2024 The Gainsborough in Bloom committee worked on the beds at Morton Corner and planted wildflower seeds. They planted 17 planters around the town in early June with a good volunteer turnout of 16 helpers.
They have also helped Gainsborough Litter Pickers clean up the Thorndyke Conservation Site, Park Springs Road and more.
The future plans are to create a biodiversity corridor from Thorndyke Way to the Cemetery which involves several organisations. They also intend to build on their restart and carry on with the wildflower theme next year, liaising with community groups, schools and Greener Gainsborough.
The East Midlands in Bloom results will be announced at a ceremony in September.
Women Freemasons to share Scunthorpe open day with male colleagues
For the first time ever in Lincolnshire women Freemasons will share an Open Day with their male colleagues at Scunthorpe on Saturday July 27th.
That’s when the Freemasons Hall on Normanby Road in the town will be open for members of the public to view the room in which members meet, see the regalia they wear, and ask whatever questions they’d like.
The inclusion of women in the day is a step forward, but women in Freemasonry is nothing new – women have been Freemasons for more than 100 years, and meet in this region at Grimsby, Scunthorpe, and Lincoln.
Says organiser Dave Gibson: “A great deal of myth and misinformation surrounds Freemasonry; some of it based on rumour and heresay, and some merely a reflection of others’ beliefs. By staging an open day we want to let visitors discover the real story.
“They’ll be able to discover the history of Freemasonry in Scunthorpe, which goes back to 1885, understand our regalia, which is in effect a uniform, and share a cup of coffee or tea with us. Everyone’s welcome, and there’s no charge.
“We look forward to welcoming lots of visitors between 10am and 2pm.”
Cycle park opened in Keelby
A new cycle park and a refurbished play area have been opened in the village of Keelby.
The cycle park, at Keelby Village Green, was officially opened by Councillor Owen Bierley, at the recent village gala.
The project, which also included new outdoor exercise equipment and a revitalised over five’s play area, was led by Keelby Parish Council, and supported through West Lindsey District Council’s Community Grant Scheme and other funders.
People using the new play area and refurbished play equipment, were delighted with the results. One villager, who was at the official opening, said: “My kids love going round on their bikes. We taught my youngest to ride his bike on the cycle park and it was perfect. Really good idea.”
Chairman of Keelby Parish Council, Cllr Trevor Wright, said: “We are keen to ensure that residents have access to the best recreational facilities as this was a high priority when consulting on our recently published Neighbourhood Plan.
“It’s fantastic to see the village green buzzing with children using the new facilities and having fun whilst their parents can relax in the picnic area. We’ve had a lot of very positive comments and would like to thank West Lindsey District Council for their continued support.”
The Gala saw hundreds of people from the community and beyond enjoying local bands, dog shows, entertainment and food.
Cllr Owen Bierley said: “I am always absolutely delighted to see for myself the bike park and exercise equipment being so well used.
“These facilities are a great community resource and we’re pleased to have been able to provide funding to support Keelby Parish Council in delivering this project.”
The Community Grant Scheme is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund.
Image credit: West Lindsey District Council
Parkinson’s UK’s Scunthorpe branch seeks new Chair
Parkinson’s UK’s Scunthorpe branch is appealing for a new branch Chair to help the group continue to support local people affected by Parkinson’s.
The branch meets monthly and hosts activities including social meets, outings, and a weekly yoga class, for people living with Parkinson’s and their loved ones in the Scunthorpe area.
Rose Crawley, Volunteer Support Officer, Parkinson’s UK, said: “The branch Chair is a key role with big impact. Leading a committed group of volunteers, you’ll be a core part of the local Parkinson’s community, shaping the activities offered in Scunthorpe and bringing your group and committee together.
“From monthly committee meetings to liaising with local staff, you’ll be a key point of contact for Parkinson’s UK and act as an ambassador for the charity.
“As well as making a big difference to people living with Parkinson’s locally, volunteering is a great opportunity to try something new, have new experiences, and meet new people – if you’re interested in hearing more about the role, please do get in touch.”
The Scunthorpe branch meets on the second Wednesday of the month at the Salvation Army Centre, 187 Ashby High Street, Scunthorpe, DN16 2JT. From June to September, meetings are held between 7:15-8:30pm, and from October to May they are held 2-4pm.
Anyone affected by Parkinson’s is welcome, including family, friends, and carers – there is no need to book. Meetings often include a speaker, tea, and plenty of time to chat!
The branch also arranges outings, an annual holiday and a weekly yoga class led by a qualified instructor.
Around 153,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with Parkinson’s, including around 2,080 people in Lincolnshire.
For more information or to discuss the vacancy please contact Rose Crawley, Volunteer Support Officer, on rcrawley@parkinsons.org.uk or 0344 225 3634.
North East Lincolnshire heritage projects get £250,000 National Lottery grant
A programme to build upon North East Lincolnshire’s Creativity Strategy has secured a £250,000 grant to help achieve the area’s vision for heritage.
North East Lincolnshire Council has been given the grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support a programme that will drive community-led heritage projects across Grimsby, Immingham, Cleethorpes and the Wolds. This will further the Council’s aim to support organisations in the area to share stories that celebrate the past and help shape the future.
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “At the Heritage Fund, we believe in the power of heritage to create positive and lasting change, now and in the future. We know that when our investments contribute to the long-term vision for a place, the benefits can be profound and long-lasting for its local community, visitors, and economy.
“This is why we are delighted to make this award through our Heritage Places initiative and continue our support for the heritage-driven regeneration of North East Lincolnshire. Thanks to National Lottery players, by empowering local people to explore their stories in their own way, this work will allow community-led placemaking and heritage to thrive.”
In October 2023, North East Lincolnshire was one of nine locations chosen to receive support over the next 10 years as part of the Heritage Fund’s new UK-wide Heritage Places initiative, which is designed to boost local economies and instil pride in place in towns and cities across the country.
This announcement came just as the Heritage Fund’s previous place-based initiative ended, where North East Lincolnshire was one of 13 ‘Areas of Focus’ across the UK that received targeted support to apply for project funding between 2019 – 2024.
The Areas of Focus work kick-started the heritage-led regeneration of the area, seeing National Lottery grants totaling £5.7 million awarded to 29 projects, including The Horizon Onside Youth Zone, Peterson’s Project at Grimsby Docks, Weelsby Hall and Grimsby Falfest.
This new funding, the first share of the Heritage Fund’s £200 million Heritage Places initiative to be awarded in the North of England, will help the Council to build on this work. The programme will prioritise extensive community engagement to further map out and develop heritage needs, activities and future opportunities that will inform a long-term strategic plan for heritage in North East Lincolnshire.
A Community Engagement and Development Co-ordinator will be recruited to lead the new programme. They will be tasked with empowering local communities and organisations to develop heritage projects that are meaningful to them, with an aim to conserve and protect more unique historical landmarks, promote cultural events and connect people to their local heritage.
The programme will take learnings from other North East Lincolnshire heritage initiatives including the Heritage Network, Cleethorpes Townscape Heritage Programme and Greater Grimsby Heritage Action Zone.
Cllr Hayden Dawkins, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Heritage at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is absolutely fantastic news, and really builds on the work the team has been doing to highlight our amazing heritage in the borough. We’re proud to be the first Heritage Place to be awarded in the North of England, and I’d personally like to thank The National Lottery Heritage Fund for believing in the work we’re doing in Grimsby, Cleethorpes and beyond, preserving and showcasing our past for future generations.”
Alford’s assets to be transformed with £8m funding
Alford Manor House and Alford Windmill are set to be transformed after East Lindsey District Council secured £8m of Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government funding to regenerate the facilities and ensure they have a financially stable future.
The ambitious projects seek to preserve and enhance the heritage of each site, bring new culture opportunities to people in Alford as well as supporting the local economy and wider Lincolnshire Wolds and coastal visitor economy.
Separate planning applications have now been submitted for Alford Manor House and Alford Windmill, both of which aim to create additional uses and attract more visitors to the Lincolnshire Wolds all year round.
The planning applications have been validated and will now be assessed by planning officers following a period of public consultation with the local community and stakeholders. A decision is expected in Autumn 2024 for both sites.
The £2.05 million project at Alford Manor House proposes a new permanent, flexible event space to replace the temporary marquee which has been in place since 2006. The event space will provide the ability for the Manor House to provide function space for at least 100 people at all times of the year for such occasions as funeral teas, concerts, weddings and craft market stalls. The event space will allow good access to the Manor House and the surrounding gardens.
The £1.1m scheme for Alford Windmill suggests a new visitor centre and holiday accommodation created on the site. It will include a bakery, café, and shop in one of the preexisting outbuildings to help support ongoing costs, maintenance, repairs, and conservation for the future of the windmill. The café will sell local produce as well as bakery produce using flour milled on site once the windmill is restored.
Plans also include expanding the car park which could offer the potential for coach trips. The proposed café will seat around 44 covers with the option to serve even more people outside.
In 2023 East Lindsey District Council secured £8 million to support the regeneration schemes for these sites as well as Spilsby Sessions House.
Cllr Graham Marsh, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture and Carbon Reduction at East Lindsey District Council said: “Both applications are vitally important to the community of Alford as well as the wider district and so I am delighted that government funding will give a new lease of life and offer for visitors to come to the town and enjoy these facilities.
“Both plans have been put together in a way that respects the heritage of the sites as well as being ambitious to ensure they both have a financial stable future and are attractive to residents, visitors and holidaymakers who may want to visit.”
John Smith, Alford Windmill Trustee, said: “We are pleased to see that the project to reopen and develop the site for Alford Windmill has taken another big step forward, following the submission of the planning application.
“When the site has been completed, we can’t wait to open the redeveloped spaces for people to explore and enjoy, with the education centre for people to learn more about where their food comes from, a fantastic new holiday home for people to visit and a new bakery where visitors can sample quality local products.
Alongside the improvements being made at Alford Manor House, we can help to improve the heritage and tourism offer in Alford.”
Ongo unveils ambition to build hundreds of new homes
Social housing provider Ongo is continuing its development plans in West Lindsey with the ambition of building hundreds of new homes.
Martin Phillips, Development Manager at Ongo said: “These developments exemplify our commitment to creating vibrant, sustainable communities that cater to diverse housing need.
“We have huge development plans over the coming years, with lots of these in newer areas for us, like West Lindsey. These are not only for affordable rent, which is in huge demand, but to help people get on the property ladder too.
“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with West Lindsey District Council, who have been a pleasure to work alongside, and of course our fantastic customers and partners who are helping to shape a brighter future the region.”
Sarah Elvin, Homes & Health Team Manager at West Lindsey District Council said: “We are really excited to have Ongo as a partner delivering much needed affordable housing for families across the District. This is something that is identified as a priority in our Corporate Plan.
“The need for affordable housing has never been greater in the difficult financial times we are in and Ongo’s ambitious plans in West Lindsey are assisting us to meet the identified housing needs of our residents.
“Ongo are a fantastic partner having worked alongside them at every stage of development process through to allocation and we are looking forward to the delivery of this next phase of developments for the people of West Lindsey.”
More than 40 homes were complete between April 2023 to March 2024, 90% of which were delivered for rent, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down with 176 to be built.
Those handed over include 11 homes at Thonock Vale, 10 at Marton Meadows and 13 at Foxby Lane, all in Gainsborough.
A further 12, including four for shared ownership were completed at Rose Gardens in Lea. These were constructed using modern timber frame methods, with energy-efficient features such as air source heat pumps and solar panels.
In the pipeline are properties at Thonock Vale and Heapham Road in Gainsborough, Morton Road in Nettleton, North Moor Road at Scotter, Ruby Road at Keelby, and at Greetwell.
Grantham park commemorates 100th anniversary
Wyndham Park has hosted a special ceremony to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its naming and opening.
The council-owned park in Grantham memorialises Captain Reginald Wyndham, killed in action at Ypres in Belgium in 1914.
His mother the Dowager Lady Leconfield bequeathed £1,000 to mark her son’s Grantham connections, with a significant military gathering in the park for the opening.
Members of the Wyndham family joined senior representatives of The Life Guards, Capt Wyndham’s regiment, including its Colonel Lt Gen Sir Edward Smyth-Osbourne KCVO CBE and Gold Stick.
Lincolnshire’s Lord Lieutenant Toby Dennis also attended, along with Royal British Legion representatives and elected councillors from South Kesteven District Council and Grantham Town Council.
Combined Cadet Force representatives from the Kings School marched through the park.
Cllr Richard Dixon Warren, SKDC Armed Forces Champion, said: “It was an absolute privilege to attend the service and to witness how important this park is to the Wyndham family and their ancestor’s Regiment, The Life Guards.”
The ceremony replicated parts of the original 1924 service and was officiated by Padre Ivan Linton from Prince William of Gloucester barracks.
It included an address by Lord Egremont, head of the Wyndham family, tracing Reggie Wyndham’s life and local links, voluntary service in WW1 and determination to lead his men at Ypres, plus a reading by Lt Col Duncan Lowe, Head of Establishment at PWOG.
Lt Col Ray Ogg BEM, King’s School cadet Contingent Commander, was later presented by Toby Dennis with the 6th Bar to his Cadet Force Medal issued in 1985.
The ceremony was organised by the Wyndham Park Forum.
Image credit: Google maps
Ukrainian refugees in North East Lincolnshire to take part in immersive art project
Ukrainian refugees living in North East Lincolnshire are to take part in an immersive project fronted by Arts & Heritage organisation Our Big Picture in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council.
“The Living Room” will see families and adults take part in reproducing a traditional Ukrainian living room in Grimsby. The installation will include tablecloths using authentic patterns and materials as well as handmade ‘Motanka’ dolls.
These dolls were first produced around 5,000 years ago and are thought to be a family talisman, representing goodwill and hope amongst other things.
Helping the refugees along the way will be artists Lucy Brooke and Lauren Saunders. Speaking about the collaboration, Jo Shaw, Arts & Heritage Programme Manager at Our Big Picture said she was excited to see what the group creates.
“In previous workshops with the refugees, we learnt how important art and culture was to them and for Ukraine as a country. With that in mind, we wanted to recreate that here and get as many people involved as possible.
“We want to be able to celebrate the Ukrainian community that is here in North East Lincolnshire. In addition, we hope it will help others explore how different countries live through the items we produce.”
Jo explained that Ukrainians often have certain patterns or materials in their living room which they will be looking to bring into the piece. On top of the physical installation, they hope to have contributors detailing other traditional items that you may see in a typical Ukrainian living room.
She added: “So far, the groups seem to be really enjoying the project. They’re excited to showcase their way of life to others and educate people on their culture.”
The project will culminate in an exhibition over the Summer where the public will be able to explore the finished living room and learn about the different items that are in it.
Sessions run biweekly on a Thursday for adults from 10am to 12pm and on Saturday for families, held from 2.30pm to 4pm at Our Big Picture on Bethlehem Street, Grimsby.
The exhibition will run from Tuesday, 13 August, to Friday, 17 August, with an event being held on the 17th to showcase the participants’ work.
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council
Lincoln receives gift from antipodean namesake
Diana Mislov, Mayor of Port Lincoln in Australia, presented a beautiful aboriginal painting to the Mayor of Lincoln, Cllr Alan Briggs, during her visit to Lincoln earlier this week.
She was in England to attend the reburial ceremony of Captain Matthew Flinders in his birthplace of Donington, Lincolnshire.
The reburial of Captain Matthew Flinders took place at the church of St. Mary and the Holy Rood in Donington after originally being buried in St. James’ Burial Ground in Camden, Australia. The ceremony was attended by many officials, including Mayor Mislov and Deputy Mayor Jack Ritchie from Port Lincoln, alongside Councillor Briggs and the Civic Party from Lincoln.
Captain Matthew Flinders, a renowned British navigator and cartographer, is celebrated for leading the first inshore circumnavigation of mainland Australia. In 1802, on his ship ‘The Investigator’, Flinders entered a harbour in South Australia and named it ‘Port Lincoln’ in honour of his Lincolnshire heritage. This historical connection led to the twinning of Lincoln and Port Lincoln in 1991.
On 14 July 2024 a special Evensong service at the Cathedral took place in honour of Captain Flinders. During their stay, Mayor Mislov and Deputy Mayor Ritchie explored Lincoln visiting several significant venues.
The highlight of the visit was at the historic Guildhall, where Mayor Mislov presented Mayor Briggs with a stunning painting by Jenna Richards. It tells the story of the Seven Sisters detailing the journey of the sisters, embracing femininity and women working together for each other, family and community. This artwork symbolises the strong and lasting relationship between Lincoln and Port Lincoln, forged through shared history.
Coin Briggs said: “It was an honour to meet such wonderful people on such an historic occasion. The beautiful gift was well received and a reminder of our twinning relationship with Port Lincoln.
“It will be displayed in City Hall for all to see. I look forward to continuing a long and happy relationship with the good people of Port Lincoln!”
