South Holland District Council to tackle graffiti in Spalding by offering £500 reward
South Holland District Council have announced that they will offer a reward of £500 for information which leads to the successful prosecution of the culprit responsible for the rampant increase in graffiti in Spalding.
In a joint venture between the Council and Lincolnshire Police, the aim is to encourage residents to come forward and help narrow down the search for the individual responsible for a host of graffiti which has been springing up in Spalding over the last few months.
The Council’s Community Safety team, alongside the Police have been investigating the incidents as part of their zero-tolerance approach to graffiti and believe the similar sign/tag could be the result of a single individual.
Unfortunately, it has not been possible to identify a suspect as yet, and as a result the Council is now looking to enlist the help of residents to help track down the individual responsible.
Councillor Anthony Casson, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, said: “I fully support this new initiative to help both our Community Safety team and our colleagues at Lincolnshire Police in gather vital information which will help us find the person responsible.
“As a Council we have a zero-tolerance approach to graffiti which degrades our towns and villages across the District. Our Officers work hard to get it cleaned up wherever possible, but this reward will help us catch one of the most prolific offenders in the local area and send a clear message – we won’t stand for graffiti here in South Holland.”
Sergeant Corder from the South Holland Neighbourhood Policing Team states: “We welcome any information about those responsible for localised graffiti.
“We recognise that graffiti is impacting the wider community and as part of the South Holland Policing Plan our aim is to tackle anti-social behaviour.
“We will continue to work alongside our partners at South Holland District Council to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Lincolnshire Police are taking this seriously and will pursue all lines of enquiry.”
A resident who provides information that results in a successful prosecution of the culprit will receive a £500 reward.
To provide information which may assist the enquiry, please contact Lincolnshire Police on 101.
Image credit: South Holland District Council
Heritage group volunteers honoured with King’s Award for Voluntary Service
RAF Ingham Heritage Group, this week, have been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, which recognises the outstanding work by local volunteer groups that benefit their communities.
The group is managed and run entirely by a community team of 25 British and Polish volunteers, who have developed and built a brand-new heritage centre dedicated to remembering and celebrating the remarkable lives of the men and women of the Polish Air Force Bomber Squadrons, flying alongside the RAF during WW2. The centre is the first of its kind in the world.
The Polish Bomber Squadrons Centre at RAF Ingham formally opened earlier this year after a fourteen year long project to bring the centre to life.
The group received recognition in November 2023 and has now been honoured with a crystal award that was presented to the team of volunteers on Wednesday 28th August by the Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby Dennis.
Chairman of the heritage group, Geoff Burton is proud of the team and to receive this prestigious award. He said: “Two factors make a project like ours work. One is funding and the other more important one is volunteers. One cannot work without the other, but the volunteers are certainly the most important.
“Our team are our greatest asset, that’s what makes our organisation and this place tick. They are the lifeblood of our project, it is their enthusiasm, energy and passion that keeps them engaged and keep coming back week in week out.
“We have the most incredible group of people you could ever wish to know and work with. We are extremely honoured and delighted to receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service which highlights and recognises the incredible hard work, dedication and commitment of our amazing team of volunteers here at RAF Ingham.
“It is their enthusiasm, energy and friendship which has made the group and this project the enduring success it is today. I am so proud of the entire team who have worked so hard and given so much to create this wonderful heritage centre to ensure this inspirational part of the joint Polish British history is there for future generations.”
The Polish Bomber Squadrons Centre at RAF Ingham is open to the public on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am to 3pm. The Main Exhibition Centre comprises of two wings, covering over 4602m of exhibition space, an atmospheric Polish Families Nissen Hut, mini-cinema, Memorial Garden and Remembrance Garden, plus a shop, cafe and toilets.
Image credit: West Lindsey District Council
Ribbon to be cut at Clee fields with family fun day
A state-of-the-art football facility in Grimsby is set to open officially this weekend with a family fun day, and a ribbon cutting ceremony involving the Mayor.
Clee Fields, situated off Ladysmith Road in Grimsby, recently underwent a refurbishment part-funded by a £1.5m grant from the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s Football Foundation, along with money from North East Lincolnshire Council’s capital budget.
Following a tender process, YMCA Humber have been announced as the new operators of the site for the next five years (to 2029), supporting grassroots football in the local community.
In July, YMCA Humber opened Clee Fields to partner and community clubs, and are looking forward to working with organisations, local football teams and clubs, providing a first-class football facility.
The official opening of the site will take place on Saturday 31st August 2024 from 10:30am to 1pm.
The day will include games and competitions, a ribbon-cutting ceremony involving the Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Steve Beasant, face-painting, an ice cream van and a BBQ.
The site is located at 140 Ladysmith Rd, Grimsby DN32 9SW – head to the large car park from Ladysmith Road.
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council
Get ready for the ultimate day of wedding planning on Sunday 15th September!
Ready for the ultimate day of wedding planning? Join us Sunday 15th September at Springfield’s Exhibition Centre Spalding for the region’s BIGGEST Wedding Show!
Every bride dreams of their special wedding day but to make that dream come true takes a lot of planning and organisation.
Whether you have just started your wedding planning, or only have a few things left to organise, you will find everything you need at the Cupids Autumn Wedding Show.
With over 65 stands, fashion shows and goodies for the first 250 brides, this event remains the biggest Wedding Show in the region. Experts in the wedding industry will display their products and services, giving you an idea of their work and price ranges which will assist you in establishing a budget for your special day.
You will be inspired by the ideas and options available and most importantly you can talk directly to the experts to discuss your own unique and personal requirements.
The exhibitors are the best at what they do, meaning they have tons of ideas and want to work with you – cake specialists can find a cake recipe to meet any special diet requirements, venue dressers will be able to turn any venue into a magical wonderland for your wedding day, jewellers will be able to design the perfect ring for you, bridal gown experts will help you find THE perfect dress, and photographers will help you capture the most important day of your life to treasure forever.
Find everything you need to plan your special day – FREE tickets available at www.cupidsweddingshows.com in advance or £4 on the day!
Knockout success of first challenge in aid of hospitals charity
More than £7,500 has been raised for the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity by local businesses, hospital staff and members of the public who took part in an It’s A Knockout challenge.
The winning team were the Lost Toys who were made up of hospital staff and their families. Members of the Clinical Education Team swapped the wards of Lincoln and Grantham hospitals to dress up as their favourite Toy Story characters.
Team Leader and Clinical Education Nurse, Jo Atterbury, said: “We had everything from Barbie and Ken, to Mr and Mrs Potato Head, Woody and Jessie, Slinky, Buzz Light Year, Pizza Planet Alien and I was Little Bo Peep and my dog Winnie made a guest appearance as one of the sheep.
“It was an amazing day, we smiled and laughed from start to finish. I cannot believe how competitive we all became. It was great to have so much fun together as a team, and at the same time raise money for such a brilliant cause that supports our patients and our colleagues. Well done to everyone involved… we are already planning our costumes for next year! Bring on the challenge, we have a title to defend.”
The competition has something for everyone, from fun quizzes, to obstacle courses, dance-offs and so much more. If you think you are up for the challenge, the date has now been released for 2025 – Sunday 29 June.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity Fundraiser, Gary Burr, said: “It was an amazing and action-packed day. The atmosphere was amazing and it was wonderful to see so many teams and their loved ones supporting our charity.
“Every penny raised will be used to help the charity support United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust patients and staff with those extras that cannot be provided by the NHS. So we would like to thank every participant and let them know that every obstacle you overcome really will help us to make a difference.
“If any local businesses or teams are interested in helping us to make It’s A Knockout 2025 bigger and better, please get in touch. Anyone can enter as a team and there are lots of other ways in which you can support this brilliant event.”
Image shows the winning team at work. Credit: United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
LIVES leaves profound impact on family after two incidents in two weeks
Ann, Stuart, and Ade had never heard of LIVES before fate brought the charity and a LIVES paramedic into their lives—twice in just two weeks.
It was a typical evening for Ade and his son, Stuart. The two were watching TV, when suddenly Stuart’s complexion turned white, and he collapsed to the floor without warning.
“When I’ve dealt with other people I can stay calm – but with Stuart the book went out the window and I just panicked,” Ade said.
Despite his fear, Ade sprang into action. Initially, he thought Stuart was in cardiac arrest and began CPR. But when Stuart started to cough, Ade realized his son was having a seizure. Ann quickly dialled 999, but the stress of the situation left her unable to speak so Ade took over the call.
Relief washed over them when a local LIVES paramedic arrived. “You just breathe a sigh of relief when they show up,” Ann says. “You know you don’t have to panic anymore—someone is there who can take control.”
The paramedic provided the crucial care Stuart needed, stabilising him until an ambulance arrived. Thanks to the swift actions of his father and the immediate care from LIVES, Stuart made a full recovery and is now back to work, and has no memory of the event.
But their ordeal didn’t end there.
Just two weeks later, Ade found himself in a similar emergency. After warning Ann about the dangers of climbing a ladder, he took on the task himself—and lost his footing. He fell from a considerable height, landing hard on his left leg.
Despite the shock and the excruciating pain of a bone protruding from his leg, Ade managed to remain calm.
Once again after the 999 call, a LIVES paramedic was the first to arrive, administering pain relief and stabilising Ade’s injury until further help could arrive.
Ade spent a week in the hospital, where surgeons pinned his leg. Now home, he’s on the mend, with Ann by his side—though she’s eagerly awaiting his full recovery, as he’s the one who does all the cooking.
This double encounter with LIVES has left a profound impact on the family. Ade is now determined to become a responder for LIVES himself, driven by the desire to protect his community as they protected him and his son. Meanwhile, Ann is rallying their neighbours to fund a defibrillator for their local area, ensuring that the lifesaving support they experienced will be available to others in need.
Council urges children to get busy with their brushes with designs for new street sweepers
East Lindsey District Council is inviting children to design artwork that will transform the district’s newly delivered street sweepers into mobile works of art.
Aimed at fostering creativity among young residents, the contest encourages participants aged 4 to 11 to submit artwork that could be featured and seen on roads of East Lindsey.
Cllr Martin Foster said: “This contest not only beautifies our street sweepers but also provides a platform for our young citizens to contribute visibly and valuably to their district.”
“Our children are the heart of this community, and their perspectives are as refreshing as they are insightful. Seeing their artwork on our street sweepers will be a daily reminder of the talent and creativity we nurture in our district.”
Competition Details:
- Eligibility: Open to children ages 4-11 residing in East Lindsey.
- Submission Deadline: 31 October 2024.
- Theme: Participants are encouraged to create artworks that reflect what their community means to them.
- Prizes: Winners will have their designs featured on street sweepers and receive a certificate and a Lego sweeper.
- How to Enter: Entries can be submitted digitally by emailing communications@e-lindsey.gov.uk or post out to ELDC Street Scene Depot, Bolingbroke Road, Fairfield Industrial Estate, Louth, LN11 OWA.
Clarkson’s Farm fan favourite to make special appearance at the LRO Show 2024
Kaleb Cooper, the beloved farm manager from the hit TV series “Clarkson’s Farm,” will be making a special appearance at the LRO Show 2024.
Kaleb Cooper, known for his no-nonsense approach and witty commentary on “Clarkson’s Farm,” has become a fan favourite for his deep knowledge of farming and his candid interactions with Jeremy Clarkson. His attendance at the LRO Show is eagerly anticipated by Land Rover fans and farming enthusiasts alike.
Highlights of Kaleb Cooper’s appearance, who visits the two day show on Sunday
- Meet & Greet: Attendees will have the unique opportunity to meet Kaleb Cooper, take photos, and get autographs.
- Q&A Session: Kaleb will participate in an interactive Q&A session where he will share insights and behind-the-scenes stories from “Clarkson’s Farm.”
- Land Rover Displays: Showcasing classic, custom, and latest Land Rover models.
- Off-Road Driving Experiences: Thrilling off-road courses for attendees to test their skills.
- Exhibitor Stalls: A wide range of stalls featuring the latest in Land Rover accessories, merchandise, and off roading equipment.
- Live Demonstrations: Engaging demos from industry experts on vehicle maintenance, upgrades, and more.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Fun for all ages with children’s adventure zones, food stalls, and live entertainment.
More than 150 gather at Lincoln’s Bomber Command Centre to mark Ukraine’s Independence Day
More than 150 people gathered at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) in Lincoln on Friday 23 August to commemorate Ukraine’s 33rd Independence Day.
The ceremony began with an Independence Day speech in English and Ukrainian, followed by tributes from Royal Air Force personnel, who also laid a commemorative wreath as did the Lincoln Sea Cadets on behalf of the Ukrainian community.
Irene Astbury, chairperson at the Ukrainian Culture Centre Lincoln, said: “It was a pleasure to honour this special day at the IBCC, a place which represents not only remembrance, but liberty and freedom too. Concluding the ceremony with the Ukrainian national anthem sang acapella was an incredibly special and a poignant moment.”
As part of the previous year’s event, the national shrub of Ukraine, a guelder rose, was planted for remembrance with red berries symbolising blood and white flowers symbolising peace. The young Ukrainian children who planted the tree returned this year to lay sunflowers at the site.
Following the ceremony, the evening was drawn to a close with traditional Ukrainian songs by the Nottingham Ukrainian Ensemble.
Nicky van der Drift, chief executive of the IBCC, said: “Our centre provided a space for the local Ukranian community to celebrate Ukranian culture and gather together in a welcoming environment. We’re committed to making IBCC the heart of the local community and as part of that ensuring it’s a place for all – as the Bomber Command was served by all.
“We celebrate all nationalities at the IBCC and during such a significant time for the Ukrainian community this is more important than ever. More than 174,000 Ukrainians have moved to the UK under the Ukrainian Family Scheme and Ukrainian Sponsorship Scheme since May 2023 due to the war, and many of them have settled in Lincolnshire and the surrounding areas. We were privileged to host the community in our space.”
Gainsborough Heritage Association celebrates 30th anniversary
Gainsborough’s Heritage Association celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, having been formed off the back of an exhibition organised by Andrew Birkitt and Paul Kemp in 1993.
That drew crowds and queues of more than 2,000 people outside the Richmond House venue, eager to see the collections of photographs and memorabilia on display, showing the need for a museum in the town.
This first exhibition led to the creation of the Gainsborough Heritage Association in 1994, and the establishment of Gainsborough Heritage Centre, which is in the Old Post Office building on North Street.
There are fantastic collections and displays to investigate, including the celebration of the towns industrial heritage to a street scene and research library! The centre is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays 10am to 4pm, with last admission at 3pm. Admission is £3 for non-members of the Association and free for members and children under 16.The Telephone Exchange Tearoom is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 3pm.
