New experience in leisure and hospitality set for Lincoln as STACK opens its doors

The journey is finally over – STACK Lincoln is now opening its doors and bringing a whole new experience in leisure and hospitality to the city. Seven days a week, from lunchtime until late, visitors of all ages can now enjoy the STACK experience. The winning formula of an eclectic mix of top quality street food, coffee shops and bars -and of course a huge entertainment programme – has made STACK a winner in other cities – and now the people of Lincoln have the opportunity to sample STACK for themselves. STACK really does have something for everyone. Family friendly (and pet friendly too!), STACK is confident it will become the go-to venues for all occasions. Check out live music performances, events for the kids and watch out for screenings of all major sporting events – and that’s just the start. STACK said: “We’re really delighted to be able to welcome Lincoln to the STACK family!”  

National Lottery grant keeps charity on the road

Grimsby-based Linkage Community Trust’s  awarded £164,316 in National Lottery funding to support its sensory outreach service. The charity, that supports people with learning disabilities and autism, will use the grant to create a new mobile sensory space, bringing sensory experiences to children and adults across Greater Lincolnshire. Niz Smith, the Outreach Project Coordinator, says: “Thanks to the National Lottery players, we’ll be able to reach into smaller community spaces and get right into the heart of Lincolnshire’s rural communities. This is important because in a large rural county like Lincolnshire, it can be very difficult for people to access services but by bringing the service to them we’re overcoming these barriers. Above all, we’ve seen the benefits and joy people experience using the bus and the difference it can make.” The Linkage Outreach team currently delivers services from a converted single decker bus, which has served its purpose over the years but has begun to show its age. In previous years Linkage Outreach has run up to 40 community days and visited up to 23 schools per year, providing each with seven visits to ensure pupils receive the maximum benefit and enjoyment from the experience. Thanks to The National Lottery players, the new funding from The National Lottery Community Fund will provide a new mobile sensory vehicle that will enable Linkage to improve the service, reaching more individuals and smaller communities. This vital community resource supports individuals to improve communication skills and helps to increase calmness, relaxation, concentration, and wellbeing.  It’s able to reach and benefit those that otherwise may not have the opportunity to experience any form of sensory therapy, and serves as inspiration to parents, teachers, carers, and professionals of different support environments.

Tick King opens new store in Lincoln’s Cornhill Market

Lincolnshire residents now have a new trusted destination for quality watch repair services with Tick King’s latest store opening in Lincoln’s Cornhill Market. Expanding from their Nottingham base, Tick King is known for over 45 years of experience in delivering exceptional watch repairs, servicing, and polishing. Their new Lincoln location offers a range of services, including battery replacements, watch strap adjustments, and thorough cleaning. As an authorised Raymond Weil repair centre and official service hub for Bauhaus, Zeppelin, Iron Annie, and Audi, their team of expert technicians is well-equipped to handle watches of all brands and models. Whether it’s a vintage timepiece needing restoration or a modern model requiring quick servicing, Tick King’s team uses the latest equipment and genuine manufacturer parts to ensure each repair is perfect. For added convenience, Tick King provides no-obligation quotes and a click-and-collect service for efficient drop-offs and pickups. If you can’t visit in person, they also offer a fully insured postal service, allowing customers across the UK to receive quality repairs without stepping out of their homes. This latest addition to the Cornhill Market is more than a watch repair shop; it’s a one-stop destination for those who value timely service and professional care. Stop by today or visit their website (search Tick King) and get your watch back in tip-top shape with Tick King!

North Lincolnshire considers plans for one of Europe’s largest data centres

Plans have been submitted to North Lincolnshire Council to develop one of Europe’s largest data centres on land near South Killingholme and the A180. If approved, the Humber Tech Park would lead up to £3bn in investment and create almost 400 jobs as well as making the area a leader in AI. Cllr Rob Waltham of North Lincolnshire Council said: “North Lincolnshire already has a number of companies that provide significant employment in the technology sector and these new proposals show a massive vote of confidence in North Lincolnshire’s economy, helping us to continue to transform the area into a tech superpower. “This is a generational level of investment in the area and, if approved, would be a magnet for attracting other high-tech businesses. “The jobs would be highly skilled and highly paid – averaging around £50,000 a year for operational employees – with many more employed during the construction phase. “The proposals would also see investment in community infrastructure and money for local education and training. Biodiversity would also be improved with landscaping, tree planting and ponds. “The proposal now needs to go through the council planning process.”

Community celebration of Sutton-on-Sea history to take place

A free celebration of Sutton-on-Sea’s rich history and culture is set to take place this June, as part of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership’s Arts Council England NPO project. Vintage-on-Sea, which has been put together in collaboration with community groups and representatives, will take place on Saturday 29 June, from 10am to 4pm, with a variety of different acts and entertainment including singers, bands, dance groups, magicians and more. A market will take place on the day, with over 30 different stalls for people to explore and enjoy including vintage items, food and drink and games and activities. A series of craft workshops will also be available giving people the opportunity to create their own miniature seaside windmills to take home with them, as well as face painting and lots more family-friendly fun. As part of the entertainment High Tea [with a twist], from Levantes Dance Theatre in London, will be performing, and are currently looking for six volunteer dancers (split into three couples) who will work together to create something memorable before and during the show. The volunteers will get to wear a bespoke costume and be part of both digital and in-person rehearsals. Individuals interested in this opportunity will need to email Samantha Benson at Samantha.Benson@e-lindsey.gov.uk by Saturday 18 May, and should be able to commit to sessions to practice in the run-up to the event, including a free taster session to decide upon the six dancers on Saturday 25 May, from 2pm to 5pm at the Meridian Leisure Centre in Louth. As well as Vintage-on-Sea there are a host of other events taking place across the summer in Sutton-on-Sea, including a large-scale group sand drawing activity on the beach on Saturday 22 June. Councillor Craig Leyland, Leader at East Lindsey District Council, said: “It’s really exciting to have such a wide variety of activities available for our residents in Sutton-on-Sea across the summer months, which I’m sure will provide a lot of fun and entertainment, as well as an educational experience to learn about the history and geography of the area. “There is a great programme of work and events planned through the NPO programme across East Lindsey and South and East Lincolnshire, and I am delighted that Sutton-on-Sea can be such a hub for these activities whilst the new Colonnade is built.”   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Brian Jackson

Revesby Country Fair set to “thrill, excite and astonish” families this summer

Revesby Country Fair, a popular Lincolnshire family day out, will return this summer with crafts, country pursuits and cooking. Taking place at Revesby Park on Sunday 4th August, the much-loved country show will offer a fun-filled day of entertainment, activities and events. This year’s packed programme boasts stunt horses and riders that have performed in hit TV shows, as well as traditional favourites including classic cars, vintage tractors, shire horses, show jumping and mounted fancy dress. Atkinson Action Horses, this year’s headliners, are well-known for amazing audiences with their skill and energy and have appeared in major TV series’ including Peaky Blinders, The Witcher and Poldark. With more than 200 traders and exhibitors expected, the event also promises its annual cooking, growing and flower competitions – which anyone can enter – plus live music, ‘have a go’ hobbies and the iconic ‘Revesby style’ terrier racing. John Roe, Chairman of Revesby Country Fair, said: “This year’s show is set to be a brilliant family day out, showcasing the very best food, drink and crafts that Lincolnshire has to offer. With a huge range of trade stands, performances and family activities, there’s something for everyone. “We’re especially excited to welcome Atkinson Action Horses back in the ring, with a show that promises to ‘thrill, excite and astonish’. “Tickets are on sale now and are slightly cheaper if you buy online in advance, so it pays to plan ahead – and you’ll skip the queues too.” Revesby Country Fair is a dog-friendly event and visitors are invited to bring along their well-behaved, four-legged friends to take part in activities such as dog agility – a canine version of a horse cross country course – and classes that cater for all breeds. Spectators can marvel at gundog scurries and chainsaw carving displays, and there will also be lots of hands-on activities to get involved with, including a climbing wall, face painting and aerial archery. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online in advance, priced at £15 for adults, £5 for children (aged 5-16) and £35 for a family of five (two adults and up to three children). On-the-day tickets will be priced at £16 for adults, £6 for children (aged 5-16) and £37.50 for a family of five (two adults and up to three children). Applications for general trade stands, car stands and indoor craft stands are still available, but filling up fast. To find out more about Revesby Country Fair, or to book tickets and trade stands, please visit revesbycountryfair.co.uk.

Freemasons support couple’s campaign to prevent unnecessary deaths from ‘undercover killer’

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North Lincolnshire couple Steve and Gill Ayling have dedicated their lives to beating an ‘undercover killer’ that lurks undetected and then takes the lives of more than a dozen young people every week. They’d never heard of Young Sudden Cardiac Death until it claimed the life of their son Nathan five years ago, who, like 80% other sufferers, had shown no symptoms but was nevertheless found dead in bed at the age of just 31.
Nathan Ayling
What’s more, a dedicated screening programme could save the lives of 90% of those who die from Young Sudden Cardiac Death. And now spearheading a group called The Beat Goes On they are determined to do everything they can to save other parents from the grief they suffered. They’re doing that by fierce campaigning to get Government to implement a national screening programme, and in the meantime investing a whopping £13,600 a year to provide private screening for 200 people aged between 14 and 35. That money buys the services of a mobile cardiac screening unit and its staff who set up shop at Hope House Community Hub in Scunthorpe for two days each year. The unit has three pods, so three people can be tested every ten minutes, and all get to see a cardiologist. The service is offered through a charity called Cardiac Risk in the Young, or CRY for short. That brings together people like Gill and Steve throughout the country who have the same shared vision. The results of the screening can be remarkable, says Steve. “A perfect example is Georgia, a 24-year-old mum of two with no symptoms who came for screening and was found to have four holes in her heart. They were corrected by surgeons in Leeds. It’s fair to say the screening has meant she’ll have a longer life with her children, and that’s priceless.” The money to pay for the screening has been raised through their own efforts, and donations like the £250 given by Freemasons of Scunthorpe’s St Lawrence Lodge. Said Gill: “The people in the village of Scawby have been marvellous supporters. We started off with car booting and bake sales, and then marathon running and safari suppers, but we needed to do so much more. That’s why donations from people like the St Lawrence Lodge Freemasons are so important.” Their next fundraising drive will be to work with companies keen to find good causes to support their Corporate Social Responsibilities. The couple have taken their campaign to Parliament, where they have met Government Ministers and MPs in their push for a national screening programme. Says Gill: “Why should grieving parents have to pay to save young lives? If 12 young people were dying each week in a specific type of car, the Government would do something urgently about it.” How to get your test in North Lincolnshire
  • This year’s testing arranged exclusively by The Beat Goes On is on July 16th and 17th.
  • To book a test search Facebook for The Beat Goes On 31
  • Follow the instructions on the right of the page

City of Lincoln council elects new leader

Cllr Naomi Tweddle has been formally appointed as the new Leader of City of Lincoln Council at its Annual General Meeting.

She has been Labour councillor for Minster ward in the city since 2016, and the Executive Member for Inclusive Economic Growth for the past year. Prior to this, she was Chair of the council’s Planning Committee.

Her appointment to the position follows Cllr Ric Metcalfe’s decision to step down after 42 years serving as a city councillor, during which he was council leader for a total of 21 years. Cllr Tweddle was born and raised in Lincoln, growing up on the Ermine estate, and still lives in the city with her young family. She attended St Peter and St Pauls school prior to going to the University of Leicester and currently works as Head of the Case Unit for the UNISON in the East Midlands. Also at the AGM, Cllr Donald Nannestad was appointed to remain in his role as the council’s Deputy Leader, working alongside Cllr Tweddle to deliver the council’s priorities under its Vision 2025, and Cllr Joshua Wells stepped up into the vacant role of Executive Member for Inclusive Economic Growth.

TV presenter to get honorary doctorate from Bishop Grosseteste University

BBC TV presenter Peter Levy is alongside a children’s author and an Armed Forces Champion to receive honorary awards from Bishop Grosseteste University next week. Two awardees are set to receive Honorary Doctorates for their outstanding contributions to academic achievement, social, economic, or cultural life. Three Distinguished Honorary Fellowships and one Honorary Fellowship will be awarded at the ceremonies. Distinguished Honorary Fellowship is awarded in recognition of outstanding contributions to the University and public life, while Honorary Fellowship is awarded in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the University extending beyond normal responsibilities. Among the Honorary Doctorate awardees is BBC presenter Peter Levy, whose career in broadcasting spans 49 years. He has presented BBC Look North for Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire since 2002 and received the Lord Mayor of Hull’s Civic Crown Award for his charity work. Hannah Gold, another recipient of an Honorary Doctorate, is celebrated for her contributions to children’s literature. The award-winning author is known for her Sunday Time’s best-seller The Last Bear, as well as The Lost Whale, Finding Bear, and her new book, Turtle Moon. Hannah’s books have sold over 230,000 copies in the UK alone and have been translated into 27 languages. Receiving a Distinguished Honorary Fellowship is Alex Baxter, whose service in the Royal Navy inspired his current roles as Chairman for the Veterans Advisory & Pensions Committee for Yorkshire and the Humber, and Armed Forces Champion for North East Lincolnshire Council among others. He is Managing Director of Joint Services Major Events Team delivering all aspects of civil/military engagement and the Armed Forces Community Covenant on behalf of North East Lincolnshire Council. As Chair of Franklin Sixth Form College, he volunteers much of his time to the post-16 education sector and to raising the aspirations of students and their onward progression at universities including BGU. Educationalist, historian, and academic Judith Jones will also receive a Distinguished Honorary Fellowship in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the University and public life. With a passionate interest in the history of Lincolnshire, the city of Lincoln, and its Cathedral; Judith has inspired students as a history teacher at various schools in Lincolnshire. Judith’s previous student – historian and BGU Chancellor Tracy Borman said: “It is no exaggeration to say that I owe my career to her. She brought history to life in a way that I have never experienced before or since.” For over ten years Judith acted as a voluntary judge for the Sandford Award, which is administered jointly by Bishop Grosseteste University and the Heritage Education Trust. Also receiving a Distinguished Honorary Fellowship is Paul Deane, Principal and Chief Executive of Grantham College, and a founding director of the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology. The Lincolnshire Institute of Technology is an example of successful collaboration between the FE and HE sectors, and Paul’s work has fostered excellent collaborations with both Bishop Grosseteste University and the University of Lincoln as well as other Further Education providers in supporting the needs of people and the economy in the region. Richard Hallsworth is set to receive an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his dedicated service to the University, as a trustee and member of Council for BGU over eight years. Now the Managing Partner of Lincoln based accountants Nicholsons, he previously worked as part of the Business Improvement Group in Market Rasen to deliver high street regeneration through the government backed Portas Pilot Scheme. Bishop Grosseteste University Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen Stanton said: “As we approach this year’s graduation ceremonies, I am delighted to announce the recipients of this year’s Honorary Doctorates and Honorary Fellowships. We recognise these individuals for their enrichment of academic, social, economic, or cultural spheres, embodying the spirit of our institution. “Their contributions inspire us and serve as beacons of achievement for our entire community, and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments and welcoming them into the esteemed ranks of our honorary awardees.” The awards will be presented during graduation celebrations on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th July at Lincoln’s Cathedral. Awardees were nominated by current BGU students, staff, and University Council members.

Scunthorpe and Grimsby to share almost £500,000 to revitalise town centres

Grimsby town centre and Scunthorpe High Street are amongst ten struggling high streets chosen to take part in a new government pilot – the High Street Accelerators programme – to create partnerships leading to long-term regeneration plans. They’re each to be given £237,000 to help communities partner with local authorities and businesses to address some of the biggest challenges facing their high streets – building on wider action to tackle empty shops, anti-social behaviour and a lack of visitors. They can also apply for a share of up to £5 million to improve their high streets’ green spaces and create more pleasant environments for residents to meet and socialise. This £7 million will be spent over the next two years and the impact will be evaluated to inform future government policy and support for left-behind high streets, building on larger interventions like the £1.1 billion Long-Term Plan for Towns. Minister for Levelling Up Jacob Young said:    ”It has been a tough few years for our high streets following the pandemic and the changes we’ve seen in consumer behaviour. “We know that local people know what’s best for their area, and we’re keen to understand the benefits that High Street Accelerators could bring working with local businesses and their communities. “These Accelerators will complement other interventions like High Street Rental Auctions, empowering local people to tackle vacancy and other issues on their high streets.”