- VE Day 80 Beacon Lighting and Dinner– A poignant ceremony on 8th May at the IBCC, marking this significant moment in history. There will also be a free, open-air VE Day 80 Concert (2pm till 3pm) featuring the Blighty Belles.
- Heritage site visits– The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre and IBCC will host visiting touring U18 rugby teams and VIP guests for immersive experiences.
- Ceramic Poppy-Bluet Ceremony– On 9th May (4.30pm till 6.30pm) a moving tribute will take place at Lincoln Cathedral, incorporating its military altars in honour of those who served. This is open to the public.
- Rugby & WWII Exhibition– From now until August the IBCC will showcase a unique exhibition highlighting the connections between rugby and the Second World War featuring untold stories of service, camaraderie and sacrifice.
- Remembrance Thanksgiving Service– On 11th May (10.15am till 11.15am) the IBCC will host a special service to conclude the commemorations with a message of gratitude and reflection.
Unique VE80 project combines rugby and remembrance
A unique project combining rugby and remembrance will get under way at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) in Lincoln on Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a beacon lighting ceremony and dinner.
The beacon will be one of 2,500 being lit at 9.30pm on 8th May across the UK to mark 80 years of peace since the end of World War II in Europe.
As part of the VE80 Lincoln project over 150 young people from schools across the UK and France will be taking part in a programme of commemorative events including a VE80 Rugby Festival at Lincoln Rugby Club on 10th May.
There will also be a Ceramic Poppy-Bluet Ceremony at Lincoln Cathedral on 9th May and a remembrance thanksgiving service at the IBCC on 11th May.
The commemorative evensong at Lincoln Cathedral will be attended by special guests including RAF Windrush veteran Sidney McFarlane MBE and WWII RAF veteran Gilbert Clarke age 98yrs and Martin Whitcombe rugby historian who is also a former Leicester Tigers rugby player.
The project launched on Friday 25th April with the unveiling of a spectacular display of over 20,000 ceramic poppies in the shape of a Lancaster Bomber at the IBCC to commemorate the anniversaries of VE and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on 15th August. Created by Lithuanian artist Darius Sirmulevicius, they will serve as a summer-long tribute to the millions of people across the UK and Commonwealth who served in the Second World War.
IBCC CEO Nicky van der Drift said: “It is such an honour to be a part of the team which is leading VE80 Lincoln which highlights the intersection of sport and history as a powerful tool for education and remembrance.
“These events are an opportunity to honour the sacrifices made by millions and educate future generations about the human cost of war and the enduring importance of peace and freedom.”
The full programme of VE80 Lincoln commemorative events consists of the following:
Investment to upgrade Lincolnshire level crossings with £1m funding
Network Rail is investing close to £1 million to modernise four significant level crossings in Lincolnshire, aiming to improve safety and operational efficiency for both road and rail users.
The project will involve essential upgrades at the Holton le Moor, Brigg, Butterswood, and Little London crossings. These improvements, set to take place over several weeks, include replacing outdated infrastructure such as deck units, cill beams, road surfaces, and markings. The works will impact traffic and rail services across the region.
The surface renewal work at all crossings is expected to result in more reliable infrastructure that requires less frequent maintenance, providing long-term cost-effectiveness.
During the works, rail replacement bus services will be operating between Cleethorpes and Barnetby, with affected passengers advised to check updates on the National Rail website. Diversion routes for road traffic will also be signposted.
This substantial investment aims to enhance the future efficiency of the crossings while improving safety for both road and rail users.
Barton park reopens following £120,000 revamp
A Barton park has officially reopened following a £120,000 revamp.
The improvements to Dam Road park include exciting new play equipment, new seating, paths and bins, CCTV as well as raised beds, trees and hedging.
The greener and more accessible space has been created thanks to a project led by the Friends of Barton Parks, with funding from a range of grants.
Cllr Paul Vickers, chair of the Friends of Barton Parks, said: “The Friends of Barton Parks, along with local supporters, have created a fantastic space for people of all ages to enjoy.
“This isn’t just a facelift, it is an investment in health, wellbeing and our local environment.”
The Friends group secured funds from Barton Town Council, Tesco Stronger Start, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Co-op Community Fund, and received support from North Lincolnshire Council and Humber Forest.
They also received a £59,000 grant from FCC Communities Foundation, a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community projects through the Landfill Communities Fund.
Richard Smith, FCC Communities Foundation senior grant manager, said: “We were delighted to have supported the improvements at Dam Road park and pleased to see the finished works, which I am sure will make a positive difference to the local community.”
Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council Boston sees drop in fly-tipping reports
Boston Borough Council has recorded a 7% reduction in recorded fly-tipping incidents over the past 12 months, bucking the national trend which saw overall reports increase across the country.
Between April 2024 and March 2025, the Council logged 391 fewer incidents than the previous year — showing that ongoing efforts are beginning to make a tangible difference.
One of the most notable improvements has been a significant drop in mattress dumping, with 359 mattresses collected compared to 516 the year before — the lowest number since 2021/22. This encouraging shift is credited to strengthened relationships with local landlords, housing associations, and social housing partners.
Councillor Callum Butler, Portfolio Holder for Waste Services, said: “This credit for this reduction lies with all the teams involved — from the council’s enforcement team to flyswat who collect the flytips.
“Residents have told us they’re noticing a difference, and now the figures back that up. Large-scale tips and mattresses are clearly on the decline, and even fly-tipping of bagged waste by bins is reducing thanks to the continued efforts of vital education in the community.”
The Council also highlighted quicker response times and improved coordination with private landowners, supported by positive collaborations with the police and Environment Agency, as key factors in the year’s progress.
However, the data also revealed a substantial increase in textile-related fly-tipping, which has prompted the Council to begin further investigation into the root causes of this rise.
Cllr Butler added: “We still face challenges, especially around clothing and single-item dumping, but we are heading in the right direction and hopefully will continue to do so. A massive thank you to everyone, residents, officers, partners for playing your part in making Boston cleaner and safer.”
Grimsby’s Freshney Place redevelopment moves forward with demolition phase
Demolition has started at Grimsby’s former Top Town Market site, marking a significant step in the redevelopment of Freshney Place Shopping Centre.
The project, led by North East Lincolnshire Council and managed by Queensberry, aims to transform the site into a mixed-use retail and leisure destination. Plans include a new Parkway multi-screen cinema, a market hall, and a combined food and shopping space.
The redevelopment forms part of a broader investment strategy for Grimsby town centre and is one of the council’s largest investments to date. It is intended to drive additional investment, support existing tenants, and open up opportunities for new businesses.
Preliminary work, including asbestos removal and dismantling mechanical systems, has been completed. Main contractor GMI Construction Group has now commenced structural demolition, progressing the project to its next phase.
Sleaford hotel to receive £1.8m refurbishment funding
North Kesteven District Council has allocated £1.8m for a comprehensive refurbishment of the Carre Arms Hotel in Sleaford. The council, which acquired the hotel last year, aims to protect a key local asset while driving regeneration in the town.
Renovation work, set to begin shortly, will overhaul the hotel’s exterior, bedrooms, roofs, and reception area, with completion expected within up to two years. The project is funded by the council’s share of local business rates, part of which is reinvested in community initiatives.
Since its purchase for just under £1.5m, the council has focused on expanding the hotel’s business, particularly for weddings, conferences, and events, which have seen significant growth.
While initial plans outlined a 10-year timeline for investment, urgent repairs have prompted an accelerated schedule for some work. The outdoor area will also be revamped, including new planting to enhance the venue’s suitability for special events.
Housing company donates over £100,000 to local charities
Welland Homes, a housing company wholly owned by South Holland District Council, has made a £100,373 donation to three local charities after another successful year, helping to support in-need residents and good causes across the district.
The company, incorporated in 2015, was established to increase the housing supply in the area to meet demand, set high standards for housing design and improve the quality of rental accommodation available to residents.
Ten years on, Welland Homes now has 57 open market properties in its ownership, and the company is making donations from its profit margin to three local charities: Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire, Active Lincolnshire and South Holland in Bloom.
Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire will receive £91,173, which will be used in their continued work to provide free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on rights and responsibilities, giving support on a range of matters including consumer matters, money advice, welfare support, employment, housing and family and personal matters.
Active Lincolnshire will benefit from £6,000 of support, for their work to provide opportunities for everyone in Lincolnshire to be active every day. This includes working with partners to address inequalities and inactivity and responding to the specific needs of people and places.
Finally, South Holland in Bloom will receive £3,200 to aid them to provide assistance and support in connection with the Britain in Bloom competition to various villages across the district.
A Welland Homes spokesperson said: “We’re delighted that Welland Homes has had another successful year, and that we are again able to support these great local causes that help improve our district and the vital support available for residents.
“Welland Homes continues to grow and develop, as it has done over the last decade, which is testament to the hard work of everyone involved with the company as it has rightly established itself as a landlord of choice, providing high-quality and desirable homes right here in South Holland.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Jo Panuwat D
Spilsby Sessions House restoration takes step forward
A planning application and listed building consent has been submitted to restore the Grade II listed Spilsby Sessions House into a multi-use community facility.
Spilsby Sessions House is one of two culturally significant, heritage at-risk attractions which East Lindsey District Council secured Government funding to help attract new visitors and to create a multi-use area for everyone to enjoy.
Following detailed site preparations and surveys over the past few months, the collaborative project between East Lindsey District Council and the Spilsby Sessions House Trust has reached a key milestone.
New designs as part of the planning application show the potential restoration of the building to allow a multi-use space to maximise the use of the attraction for generations to come.
This restoration project will not only allow the building to be operational again, but it will support the economy of Spilsby as the space will be able to be leased out.
The project at Spilsby Sessions House comprises of major repairs to the building, to allow it to be reopened for cultural and art uses, as well as to have a wider daytime use as a community space.
By improving the access into the Sessions House, the building will be a welcoming space for everyone. A new café area is part of the plans to serve local people and visitors to the Lincolnshire Wolds and coast.
Pranali Parikh, Director of Economic Development, said: “The submission of planning and listed building consent for Spilsby Sessions House marks a significant milestone in this project.
“The very detailed on-site work conducted so far has been invaluable, providing the project team with crucial insights and information necessary for the next phase of the programme, subject to planning and listed building approval.
“This is an important and historic building for Spilsby and a key piece of the vibrant cultural tapestry of East Lindsey. Subject to approval the scheme will enhance the heritage asset, support the local economy and generate visitors for the Lincolnshire Wolds.”
Bruce Knight, Trustee of Spilsby Sessions House, said: “The submission of the planning application marks a very significant and exciting point in the Spilsby Sessions House journey.
“It is a complex building and a sensitive heritage site and with the project aims for delivering a sustainable, multi-functional, cultural facility, it has taken a considerable amount of careful design work to reach this point.
“With planning now being submitted, we hope we can soon progress to the point of beginning to see the plans becoming a reality for the community.”
Image credit: Google maps
Plans for Scunthorpe’s new science and tech centre progress
North Lincolnshire Council has secured listed building consent for alterations to St John’s Church in Scunthorpe, moving forward with plans for a £2.5m children’s science and technology centre.
The new facility, called Discover@20-21, will be located next to the 20-21 Visual Arts Centre and is set to open later this year, thanks to funding from the Government’s Towns Fund.
The centre will feature interactive digital displays and exhibits designed to engage young audiences with STEAM subjects (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). Among the planned installations is a projector system that will create digital artwork based on these themes, which visitors will be able to control with the push of a button.
To accommodate large-scale exhibits and light-sensitive displays, such as Luke Jerram’s “Museum of The Moon,” the church will also undergo modifications including the installation of retractable lighting and blackout blinds. These improvements will reduce the need for costly external hires and high-level access equipment, making it easier to host significant exhibitions.
The project aims to boost local tourism by attracting more visitors to the area and support community regeneration. St John’s Church, a former place of worship, has served as an arts venue since the early 2000s.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/shintartanyaNorwood Park commemorates VE Day with charity celebration for the British Red Cross
Norwood Park is set to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a charity Afternoon Tea event to raise vital funds for the British Red Cross while paying tribute to its lesser-known role in the war effort.
Taking place on Thursday 8th May, the event will bring together local residents, historians, and members of the community to honour the courage, sacrifice, and spirit of those who served both on and off the battlefield.
A Community Celebration of Service and Remembrance
Guests will be welcomed to the historic Norwood Hall for an afternoon tea-style buffet, accompanied by a display of wartime memorabilia, historic photographs, live performances from the Mansfield Male Voice Choir with representatives from the Red Cross in attendance.
Additional informative talks will share untold stories of Norwood Park’s history and role during WWII while the estate’s resident metal detectorist will display finds uncovered across the estate, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past beneath our feet.
Speaking on the upcoming celebration, Madeleine Walker, General Manager at Norwood Park, said: “We are incredibly proud to be hosting this event. It’s a chance to bring the community together, honour our estate’s connection to the war effort, and shine a light on the quiet acts of service carried out behind the scenes.”
Honouring Norwood Park’s Wartime History
During the Second World War, Norwood Hall served as a convalescent home for wounded servicemen, under the care of the British Red Cross Society. Between 1942 and 1946, the estate provided a place of recovery, rehabilitation, and rest for those returning from the frontline.
The Hall was fitted with 100 hospital beds, 12 of which were located in the Drawing Room which is most regularly used today as a ceremony space for weddings, while nurses worked tirelessly to care for the wounded.
Over the course of the war, the estate is estimated to have housed well over 1,000 servicemen. Soldiers arrived at the Norwood Estate, from Harlow Wood Orthopaedic hospital, many having sustained significant injuries. In their initial stay at Norwood, many patients arrived in plaster casts, some were bed bound and some hobbled about on crutches and walking sticks, making the best of it.
After 4-6 weeks of rest and rehabilitation under the care of Red Cross nurses, patients were transferred back to Harlow Wood Orthopaedic Hospital to have their casts removed after which they returned to Norwood to undertake a programme of physical rehabilitation and PT on the estate lawn under the watchful eye of Sargent Bradley, the Physical Training Officer stationed at Norwood Park.
Wartime Memories
Sir John Starkey Bt, who is the current custodian of the Norwood Park Estate was just a young boy during the war, but remembers the era vividly: “As a child, I was fascinated by the plaster casts the servicemen wore and used to plead with them to bring one back after their hospital visit so I could try them on for size. Sadly, none ever did, though I suppose they weren’t allowed to!”
Reminiscing about the period, Sir John added: “The servicemen living on the estate were incredibly kind to us children. For my fourth birthday, they crafted a Greenline Double Decker Bus out of wood, which I still have to this day. I believe they made a wheelbarrow for my sister, too — a more practical gift so she could help the gardener in the kitchen garden!”
In a touching gesture, Sir John will also be celebrating his 87th birthday on the day—inviting fellow residents to join in marking the occasion with a slice of birthday cake. He remarked: “As a seven-year-old, I remember the excitement of VE Day so clearly — I hung Union Jack flags in my bedroom, and we celebrated all around the house.
“It’s a date that has always held great personal significance for me, feeling even more meaningful that my birthday falls on the day. Marking the date with this anniversary event will be an incredible moment of remembrance and celebration.”
Unsung Heroes
Alongside the incredible contributions of those on the frontline, the contributions and support of those at home was paramount. Among those quietly supporting the war effort from home was Frank Jordan, a WWI veteran himself, who tended Norwood’s wartime Kitchen Garden supplying the House chefs with fresh produce used to feed the recovering servicemen throughout their stay on the estate. His daily work is a further example of the many unsung heroes who contributed behind the scenes.
Call for Memorabilia and Local Involvement
Norwood Park is inviting local historical societies and residents to participate by showcasing their own wartime memorabilia. Guests are encouraged to wear or bring items of historical significance—whether personal heirlooms, medals, or photographs—as a way of sharing stories and keeping memories alive.
Event Details:
Wartime Memories
Sir John Starkey Bt, who is the current custodian of the Norwood Park Estate was just a young boy during the war, but remembers the era vividly: “As a child, I was fascinated by the plaster casts the servicemen wore and used to plead with them to bring one back after their hospital visit so I could try them on for size. Sadly, none ever did, though I suppose they weren’t allowed to!”
Reminiscing about the period, Sir John added: “The servicemen living on the estate were incredibly kind to us children. For my fourth birthday, they crafted a Greenline Double Decker Bus out of wood, which I still have to this day. I believe they made a wheelbarrow for my sister, too — a more practical gift so she could help the gardener in the kitchen garden!”
In a touching gesture, Sir John will also be celebrating his 87th birthday on the day—inviting fellow residents to join in marking the occasion with a slice of birthday cake. He remarked: “As a seven-year-old, I remember the excitement of VE Day so clearly — I hung Union Jack flags in my bedroom, and we celebrated all around the house.
“It’s a date that has always held great personal significance for me, feeling even more meaningful that my birthday falls on the day. Marking the date with this anniversary event will be an incredible moment of remembrance and celebration.”
Unsung Heroes
Alongside the incredible contributions of those on the frontline, the contributions and support of those at home was paramount. Among those quietly supporting the war effort from home was Frank Jordan, a WWI veteran himself, who tended Norwood’s wartime Kitchen Garden supplying the House chefs with fresh produce used to feed the recovering servicemen throughout their stay on the estate. His daily work is a further example of the many unsung heroes who contributed behind the scenes.
Call for Memorabilia and Local Involvement
Norwood Park is inviting local historical societies and residents to participate by showcasing their own wartime memorabilia. Guests are encouraged to wear or bring items of historical significance—whether personal heirlooms, medals, or photographs—as a way of sharing stories and keeping memories alive.
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday 8th May 2025
- Time: Guests are welcome from 2:00pm to 6:00pm, afternoon tea served at 3:00pm
- Location: Norwood Hall, Norwood Park Estate, Halam Road, Southwell, NG25 0PF
- Tickets: Minimum donation of £15 per adult / £5 per child
- Proceeds: All profits to be donated to the British Red Cross
- Booking: Visit norwoodpark.co.uk/whatson or contact events@norwoodpark.co.uk / 01636 302099
