New orchard takes root in Wilsford
Working in partnership with the community, North Kesteven District Council has secured £15,100 in funding for a new community orchard to be planted in Wilsford this autumn.
Supporting the newly-formed Wilsford Community Orchard group, the Council submitted an application on their behalf to the King’s Coronation Living Heritage Fund and recently found out that it was successful. The funding will enable a 75-tree orchard to be planted.
The Coronation Living Heritage Fund is designed to mark the coronation of King Charles III by creating new spaces for nature, in particular the planting of trees that can be accessed by the community. It is provided by DEFRA.
Jacky Scott-Combes, a retired psychotherapist from Wilsford, had always thought a community orchard would be a great addition to the village. When she saw the funding opportunity advertised in an NKDC newsletter she sprang into action.
Jacky said: “I used to work at Rauceby Hospital and saw first-hand the value of the orchard that used to grow on the site. I’ve always remembered it and knew that a community orchard would be a brilliant asset for Wilsford.
“When I saw in a Council newsletter that this funding was available, I contacted NKDC who helped us get the funding. We couldn’t have got it without them.
“I put the word out about what was happening and quickly had around a dozen people involved – but there’s always room for more! We’re offering adopt-a-tree or dedicate-a-tree, and working with the East of England Orchard Project to see if we can plant heritage varieties from the area.
“We’re hoping to plant apples – including cider apples – plus pears, plums, cherries and maybe even nut species.”
Henry Tickler, a local farmer who was happy to be roped in to the scheme, has granted permission for a field of his to be used for the project.
The group have great ambitions to further develop the project and create even stronger community connections as a result.
Mrs Scott-Combes said: “Thanks to Mr Tickler, there’s plenty of land to do more than plant the orchard – we want to make it a real community space and could potentially even have a timber-framed building where we could hold events, have workshops and education opportunities, and even dementia and mental health-related activities.
“I’m just delighted that it’s happening. You hold a vision, and then eventually it starts to come together. We’ve got the time and the willingness to make it happen.”
NKDC Chairman Councillor Andrew Hagues, the ward Councillor for Leasingham, Cranwell and Wilsford, said: “I’m thrilled that the Council has been able to help this project come together in the way that it has. The possibilities are really exciting, and it’s just one example of how we want to help develop a ‘District of flourishing communities’.
“I take my hat off to Jacky and the team, and I think this is a great example for others to follow about what can be achieved when communities work together with the Council. It really is a village-led project, which I find inspiring, and I look forward to seeing how it develops in the coming months and years.”
Trees will be planted in the autumn, the time of year when it is best to do so, and more volunteers are invited to get in touch with the group and take part. There is also the opportunity to adopt or dedicate a tree, thus ensuring a lasting connection with the orchard.
Picture: Founding members of the Wilsford Community Orchard Group with Council Chairman Cllr Andrew Hagues. Image credit: North Kesteven District Council
New homes completed on previously abandoned Chapel St Leonards housing site
The development of 28 new homes for market sale have been recently completed on a previously abandoned housing site at Draycott Way, Chapel St Leonards.
The project, developed through East Lindsey District Council’s commercial company Invest East Lindsey, saw the completion of the first Council-delivered houses in over 20 years.
Planning approval for this stalled site was originally granted in the early 2000s. Invest refined the original outdated dormer style designs to provide a more contemporary appearance using a blend of brickwork, render and coloured windows and doors.
The project began following the acquisition of the partially built redundant housing site in April 2021.
The site clearance and building work carried out by Bowbridge Homes commenced in July 2021. Work progressed through a difficult period with Covid, Brexit and energy cost increases all impacting on timescales and the availability of materials and labour resources.
The development includes 2 3-bed bungalows, 11 3-bed houses, 4 2-bed bungalows and 11 2-bed houses.
The first sales completions were achieved in September 2022 and only 5 homes now remain for sale on the site.
Councillor William Gray, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing, said: “It is just amazing to see these homes finished with new residents moving in. We wanted to step in and help where challenges had been faced in the past and sites had been stalled.
“We have been able to help bring forward quality new homes for new buyers to East Lindsey and I hope this is the first of many we can build across the district.
“This is a new era for us, and I cannot wait to look at how we can develop more in the future.”
Andrew Sweeney, Housing Director at Invest East Lindsey, said: “We are delighted to see the site now fully developed and are thrilled to be able to deliver these homes on behalf of East Lindsey District Council. This has provided both new homes for people wanting to live in the area and redeveloped the old untidy site that existing residents have tolerated over many years.
“The properties have been built to a high quality and are situated in a good residential area in Chapel St Leonards, close to transport links, schools and shops. A footpath linking the development to the village centre facilities has also been included.
“These new homes contribute to helping meet the need for housing in the district and an ever-growing increase in demand across the whole of Lincolnshire.
“We are really pleased to welcome customers to their new homes and wish them many years of happiness in them.”
The project was funded through Invest East Lindsey.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Monkey Business
Plans to enhance wildlife and accessible greenspace in Gainsborough underway
A community nature project is currently being developed in the South West Ward, Gainsborough to create wildlife areas.
The Together Team, local residents, Lincolnshire Outdoor Learning, and a volunteer team from the Lincolnshire County Council Highways Partnership are leading on the project – thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Over the next eighteen months they will be planting wildflower seeds, pollutant-absorbing shrubs, and more native tree and hedge species. The work will be carried out on either-side of the Thorndike Way approach to the roundabout with Trinity Street and Ashcroft Road.
The project aims to: increase wildlife in the area, create more attractive and accessible greenspaces for the community, and enhance the appearance of this important gateway for Gainsborough.
Benjamin Adlard and Warren Wood schools are helping to grow more wildflowers and building bird boxes that will be used around the South-West Ward area.
Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Councillor Trevor Young, said: “I have been involved in this project since the initial discussions. I believe it will greatly enhance the South-West Ward, one of the most deprived areas in the country.
“Not only will it greatly improve biodiversity, but it will also provide local people with some much-needed green space to enjoy. The area has very little to offer to improve health and wellbeing. An increase in wildlife, colour and vibrancy will greatly enhance this gateway to Gainsborough.”
Barry Rooks, Together Team Leader, said: “It has taken over a year to get this project off the ground, it is so great to see it starting to take shape now.
“None of this would have been possible without the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, our fantastic resident volunteers, project partners, Voluntary Centre Services, Lincolnshire County Council, Highways Partnership, Balfour Beatty, Sunbelt, HTM Traffic Management, RMS, West Lindsey District Council and Gainsborough Town Council.”
Image courtesy of West Lindsey District Council
Freemasons bring charity ball to Lincolnshire for the first time – and raise at least £8,000 for good causes
About 300 Freemasons and friends packed into The Engine Shed in Lincoln for the first visit to Lincolnshire for the annual ball of the Freemasons’ charity the MCF, and generated more than £8,000 for good causes.
The numbers behind the work of the MCF are hard to comprehend because they are so large – but the good done by what they achieve is immeasurable. In the eight years since its formation, the charity has made grants of £130m. Said Chief Exec Les Hutchinson: “That’s about £50,000 a day, every day.” He told the audience: “That’s why you are crucial to the charity’s work. Your efforts are indispensable.”
That sentiment was echoed by Provincial Grand Master for Lincolnshire Dave Wheeler, who added: “I looked forward to this event from the moment it was announced that Lincolnshire would host it, bringing not out of London for only the second time in its history. I’m sure everyone had a wonderful time.
“A lot of preparation and planning went into ensuring that a successful and happy time was had by all. The night will live long in the memory.”
The Freemasons’ Province of Lincolnshire has almost 3,000 members in an area from The Humber to the Wash, who are currently involved in a five-year campaign to raise at least £2.25m in support of the MCF, with the total achieved to be revealed in September 2025.
Dave thanked the organising committee; the 2025 Festival committee, and all the Lincolnshire Freemasons who continued to contribute to what he predicted would be a superb result when the Festival came to an end next year. He added: “Together we’ve supported the MCF by raising the funds it needs to do all the good that it does for those in our communities who need it most.”
Celebrating Volunteers Week: Recognizing the extraordinary impact of Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance’s volunteers
Volunteers are amazing people and to celebrate Volunteers’ Week, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) are saying a big ‘Thank you’ to its 155 volunteers and the vital contribution they make to the work of this life-saving charity.
2024 marks the 40th year of Volunteers’ Week, and from 3-9 June LNAA joins thousands of charities to celebrate the amazing contributions volunteers make to communities across the UK.
Kate Kerrigan, Volunteering Manager, said: “Our volunteers are very important to us. They are our ambassadors who generously give their precious time in a variety of ways to raise both awareness and funds for our life-saving work.
“Their support ensures that our doctors and paramedics are able to operate 24 hours of the day, 7 days-a-week, providing pre-hospital critical care to some of the most seriously ill and injured people in the counties of Lincs and Notts.”
Julie Finn, from Grantham (pictured second left), was a full-time carer for her daughter who had special needs and epilepsy. In November 2022, after caring for her for 24 years, she sadly died. LNAA’s Aftercare Team were loving and supportive in the following months.
Julie is now a very active Volunteer for LNAA, helping out in the storeroom, getting merchandise ready to take to events, setting up and attending events, picking up collection tins and pretty much anything else she can turn her hand to. The role has enabled Julie to meet new people, and sharing her experience has made her able to face the future with greater confidence.
Julie said: “If anyone is thinking about volunteering for LNAA, my message is please give it a go! You will meet the most amazing people. To be honest you’ll never look back – I haven’t.”
Kate sums up: “Volunteers can give as much or as little time as they are able to on a regular or occasional basis. Whatever your skills or experience, whatever time you can give, there are lots of different roles available as a volunteer with LNAA so why not do something amazing today and join our fantastic team.”
More stories about LNAA’s fabulous volunteers can be found on the website: https://www.ambucopter.org.uk/supporter-stories/make-a-difference-this-volunteers-week/
Kick off for Clee Fields as YMCA Humber chosen as operator
The construction of Clee Fields, a new playing pitch facility off Ladysmith Road, started in January 2023, and has now been completed. The two brand new 3G pitches have been lined and fresh new changing rooms in the main building are complete and ready for use when the facility opens later this year.
The operator for the facility has now been appointed following a competitive tendering process: YMCA Humber will take on and run the facility, initially for 5 years.
Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, explained: “We have created Clee Fields not only for current demand but also for the demand we expect to see in the future, and are looking forward to seeing growth through the use of the facilities by local sports groups and clubs, and community groups.
“It’s great to have YMCA on board to run this for the community, and I hope this will become a popular local asset. I can’t wait to see the facilities to be used and appreciated.”
Kate Conway, Chief Executive Officer at YMCA Humber, said: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council on the management of the Clee Fields facility. This project will complement the work we already do across our youth, sports, and wellbeing provisions.
“Under the five-year contract we plan to promote, develop, and manage a welcoming, inclusive, and diverse community sports offer, including physical activities for those with a disability or long-term health conditions. There will also be social inclusion activities, focusing on women and girls football opportunities.
“We also are keen to work in partnership with organisations, local football teams and clubs, and schools who are keen to hire out 3G pitches and use Clee Fields as their primary training ground.”
The project has been funded by a £1.5 million grant from the Premier League, The FA, and the Government’s Football Foundation, along with money from the Council’s capital projects budget.
The main ‘pavilion’ has been designed with everyone in mind, having accessible facilities suitable for all genders, four large team changing areas, changing spaces for officials, and a kitchen, servery, and eating area, which doubles up as a ‘team chat and motivation zone’ when not in use by the public. The latter can be accessed from both inside and out, which is handy for people to drop in for a drink while they are playing, or for spectators at the venue.
Solar panels on the roof feed electricity into the building, with the potential for any surplus to be fed into the wider National Grid, air source heat pumps provide the heating and contribute to hot water provision for post-match showers, and in the future, there will be two EV charging points for electric cars. By adding this technology to the venue, the local carbon footprint is hugely reduced, and the building will subsequently benefit from cheaper running costs.
Outside, the two 3G, artificial grass pitches will be available for football with markings for 5, 7, 9, and 11-a-side football, and the second is also enabled for rugby use.
Cllr Jackson continued: “While we already have the exceptionally popular Bradley Football Development Centre, the Clee Fields facility is a fantastic addition and will support in addressing shortfalls in artificial grass pitch provision across the borough, also providing facilities in this area of North East Lincolnshire.
“It is also exciting that we have been able to implement the air source heat pumps and PV panels to help reduce carbon emissions. This is an important aspect of the build and a positive addition to the local authority portfolio.”
The facility will be able to provide all-year-round football and rugby use for the community, including local clubs, leagues and schools, as well as the opportunity for hosting tournaments and events.
Picture: Cllr Philip Jackson and Kate Conway. Image courtesy of North East Lincolnshire Council
Almost £150,000 awarded to East Lindsey community projects
Just under £150,000 has been released from East Lindsey’s allocation of UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) to award to community projects – in addition to an extra allocation of £250,000 from the East Lindsey Community Reserve.
Two projects are set to benefit from this latest round of funding, which comes as a result of both the return of funds from projects delivered below cost and non-allocated funding within an underspend of the Communities and Place strand of the UKSPF programme in the district.
The first recipient is Louth’s Riverhead Theatre, which will use its award to focus on its renovation and expansion of its Youth Theatre offer.
This project seeks to support the theatre to expand both the range and size of youth theatre provision available to residents, ensuring that this is accessible for people of all ages and abilities in the town. The project will also support the purchase of new sound equipment and a general cosmetic renovation of the theatre. Scholarships, paid for through the grant, will be made available to young people facing disadvantage and young people in rural communities.
The second recipient, Acis Group and Riverside Training, has received funding for Project Thrive.
This project seeks funding to employ a project officer to deliver a programme to a cohort of 85 residents from Mablethorpe and the surrounding area. The project will focus on supporting them to overcome health and confidence barriers to access work and/or volunteering opportunities. The project will also deliver a detailed research piece into Mablethorpe residents’ perceptions of place, which could be used to inform future commissioning/regeneration initiatives.
This latest round of funding comes just after an announcement that the popular UKSPF funded GrassROOTS scheme, which is being delivered by Lincolnshire Community Foundation (LCF), has also been awarded an additional £250,000 via East Lindsey District Council’s Corporate Priority Reserve to continue to provide grants for parishes, village halls and community projects.
East Lindsey Councillors Steve Kirk, portfolio holder for The Coastal Economy, and Adam Grist, portfolio holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy, said: “There has been such a high level of demand for the UK Shared Prosperity funding across East Lindsey so it’s great that we have been able to release some extra money for these projects.
“We know that this funding will go towards improving the lives of residents of all ages in our district and we are excited to see the results of these projects.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG Cash boost to enable extensive repairs at one of North Lincolnshire’s finest listed buildings
A £150,000 Government cash boost will help throw open the doors of one of North Lincolnshire’s finest listed buildings – Baysgarth House in Barton-upon-Humber.
The investment will enable extensive repairs to be carried out to the fabric of the building, which is set in 30 acres of Green Flag award-winning parkland – allowing it re-open as early as Spring 2025.
An ambitious programme of works will then breathe new life into the 18th century building – with exciting plans to create a museum and exhibition space, gift shop, café, archive, and community spaces.
It comes as Barton receives a further £5,000 to promote the town’s heritage, putting it on the map as a visitor destination of historical significance and attracting waves of new visitors.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “It’s brilliant to see this Government cash being used to give a new lease of life to local landmarks and historic buildings like Baysgarth House that residents hold dear.
“Together with hardworking volunteers, we are working hard to preserve North Lincolnshire’s fascinating heritage, but we want to go even further – creating new and improved attractions, increasing community pride and showcasing our area to even more people.”
Another of the town’s impressive buildings, and the longest Grade II listed structure in the country, The Ropewalk, will receive £7,600 to tell the story of world-renowned horse painter, George Stubbs – who’s connection to North Lincolnshire is being explored this year in a series of events and workshops.
Liz Bennet, managing director at The Ropewalk, said: “Barton-upon-Humber is a historic town with many hidden riches and this funding will go a long way to publicising this important heritage on our doorstep.
“The artist George Stubbs created many of his important early works whilst under the patronage of the Nelthorpe family who were the owners of Baysgarth House at the time. The funding will enable The Ropewalk to work in partnership with Scawby Hall, the current home of the Nelthorpe family, and North Lincolnshire Museum to explore the importance of North Lincolnshire in this artist’s work.”
The cash comes from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council
Protect oak trees from predatory caterpillars, public urged
People are being urged to be vigilant for any sightings of oak processionary moth caterpillars, a tree pest which can strip oak trees of their foliage and leave them susceptible to disease.
The caterpillars – found mostly in South East England – descend oak trees in head-to-tail processionary form, occasionally taking the form of an arrow shape, earning them their name. They feed on the leaves as they migrate causing the leaves to sometimes drop off which negatively impacts their growth. This can weaken the tree and leave it more vulnerable to other stresses, such as drought and further diseases.
The warning has been issued today by the Forestry Commission who are urging the public to report any sightings to the via the TreeAlert portal or by email to opm@forestrycommission.gov.uk.
Oak processionary moth was first identified in London in 2006 after being accidentally transported over from Europe in trees for planting. It has since spread to surrounding counties in the South East, and last July, a small outbreak of the caterpillars were found at a site designated free from the pest.
The caterpillars and their nests, made of distinctive white silken webbing, contain hairs that can cause itchy rashes, eye and throat irritation and should not be touched under any circumstances. The nests can be found in the trunk or branches of oak trees, where they fade to a light brown over time. The public are urged never to try and dispose of the nests themselves.
Andrew Hoppit, Oak Processionary Moth Project Manager, said: “It is important those living and working in areas affected by oak processionary moth remain vigilant about the health risks they pose, when enjoying outdoor spaces, as we are entering the greatest risk period.
“The Forestry Commission has a whole host of information online that can be used to identify the moth, simply visit managing oak processionary moth in England. If you spot the pest, report the sighting via our TreeAlert portal. Alternatively, you can email opm@forestrycommission.gov.uk.”
Council purchases 36 new homes in £6.5m boost to social housing portfolio
South Kesteven District Council has announced its biggest investment in social housing in a generation in a £6.5m deal to help replace council housing sold to tenants under the Government Right to Buy legislation.
The Council has exchanged contracts to purchase 36 newly built homes for people on its housing register to help mitigate the loss of more than 40 homes a year as a result of Right to Buy.
The new homes are part of a development off Swinstead Road, Corby Glen, and will be paid for and built in seven phases up to June 2028. They range from one bedroom apartments to four bedroom family homes and have been secured by the Council to make the best use of funds.
Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, Cllr Phil Dilks, said: “The number of houses we can rent to those most in need has been falling year on year at the same time as the demand is rising.
“We are determined to do what we can to mitigate average loss of more than 40 homes a year to Right to Buy so we can continue providing decent housing for those most in need.
“We have adopted a hybrid flexible approach to acquiring replacement homes by building on sites we already own as well as negotiating with house builders to buy off-plan, particularly where registered housing providers are unable to secure funding to purchase the ‘affordable’ homes on major developments that have to be agreed as a condition of planning permission.
“We are also in discussions with house builders on further sites in the District, which are all moving in a positive direction.
“The Corby Glen new-build housing will all be allocated to people on the Council’s housing register when they are completed and handed over.”
SKDC has also acquired 21 properties as part of the Local Authority Housing Fund tranche 1 and a further eight properties are being purchased around the Bourne area for a second tranche of the LAHF money. These properties were specifically to house Ukrainian and Afghans as part of a central government scheme.
In addition, the Council is using Section 106 developer contribution money to buy a fully adapted bungalow in the Market Deeping area, where a number of people require specific types of properties. The property team is looking at acquiring further properties to meet these needs.
Progress on SKDC’s own new-builds includes:
- Swinegate, Grantham: Demolition and site preparation under way for 20 new homes
- Elizabeth Road, Stamford: All four units due for completion in August 2024
- Larch Close, Grantham: work due to start in September on 21 units
- Wellington Way, Market Deeping: Planning process under way for 14 new homes
- Gorse Rise, Grantham: Six units at design stage
- Kesteven Road, Stamford: Discussions under way for a 14-unit build
- Bourne End Road, Colsterworth: Potential nine-unit scheme
