LIVES volunteers respond to 2,578 medical incidents in 2024
LIVES, the Lincolnshire-based emergency response charity, is celebrating an impactful 2024, during which its volunteers and training programs made a significant difference in local communities.
This year, LIVES’ Volunteer Community First Responders (CFRs) attended 2,578 emergencies, ensuring timely care and support for those facing medical crises. (Figures run from 01/01/2024 – 18/12/2024)
In addition to responding to emergencies, LIVES Expert Training trained 1,548 people in life-saving skills, equipping individuals, professionals and businesses with the confidence to respond in critical situations.
Volunteer CFRs play a vital role in providing immediate assistance in medical emergencies, often arriving on the scene before an ambulance. This year, LIVES volunteers have responded to a wide range of incidents, from life-threatening situations to providing reassurance and care to those in distress.
Annie, a LIVES Community First Responder, said: “As responders, we are everyday people serving our communities as CFRs. 2024 has been a great year for sharing our skills and knowledge teaching bystander CPR to members of our communities, a skill that can make so much difference!
“When on call I have met some people at their most vulnerable who have welcomed me into their homes and trusted me with their care until the ambulance arrives.
“It’s a very privileged position that I have. It’s a voluntary role, the thanks and gratitude I receive from patients and their friends and family is payment in itself.
“Will I still be responding in 2025? I remind myself daily of why I joined LIVES over 9 years ago and that reason is to be there in my local community when minutes really do matter. As long as my knees keep bending and my back allows me to. I’ll be there.”
LIVES volunteers will also be there for people in need this Christmas.
Julie, a LIVES Community First Responder has this to say about why she responded in 2023 and will continue to do so this year: “I had the free time, and I didn’t want anyone to be scared on Christmas Day if they had to call 999, if I could offer the help and support to help prevent that then I feel I would have done a good job.
“I’ll be responding this year as well because I want to be there for people in their moment of need.”
LIVES continues to depend on the generosity of its supporters to sustain its emergency response and training initiatives. The charity invites the community to reflect on its achievements in 2024 and consider donating to help LIVES reach even more people in 2025!
Government pledges more than £100m for UK hospices
A £100m investment, said to be the biggest a generation, is to be made in the UK’s 200-plus hospices.
The funding will help hospices this year and next to provide the best end of life care to patients and their families in a supportive and dignified physical environment.
Hospices for children and young people will also receive a further £26 million revenue funding for 2025/26 through what until recently was known as the Children’s Hospice Grant.
The government is committed to ensuring every person has access to high-quality end of life care and, as part of its Plan for Change is taking immediate action to rebuild the health service and deliver improved standards of care, making sure it is fit for the future.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Hospices provide the care and support for patients and families at the most difficult time so it is only right they are given the financial support to provide these services.
“This package will ensure they will be able to continue to deliver the compassionate care everyone deserves as they come to the end of their life in the best possible environment.”
The investment will go towards helping hospices to improve their buildings, equipment, and accommodation to ensure that patients continue to receive the best care possible, including refurbishing bedrooms and bathrooms for patients and providing comfortable overnight facilities for families, improving IT systems making it easier for GPs and hospitals to share vital data on patients. The money will also help towards improving garden and outdoor spaces so patients and their families can spend time outdoors in greener and cleaner spaces. Toby Porter, CEO of Hospice UK, said: “Today’s announcement will be hugely welcomed by hospices, and those who rely on their services. Hospices not only provide vital care for patients and families, but also relieve pressure on the NHS.“This funding will allow hospices to continue to reach hundreds of thousands of people every year with high-quality, compassionate care. We look forward to working with the government to make sure everyone approaching the end of life gets the care and support they need, when and where they need it.”
Council adds WhatsApp to its commuication toolkit
As well as being on Facebook and YouTube on the internet East Lindsey District Council has now signed up to WhatsApp to provide residents and visitors with another convenient way to stay informed about local happenings.
WhatsApp channels offer users a secure and private way to follow what matters to them, subscribing for free to news from their favourite organisations and celebrities. Channel admins and fellow followers don’t have access to personal information such as names, profile photos, or numbers. Followers can set notifications to read messages in real-time and, if they choose, respond with a simple emoji or vote in a poll. Without public or private replies to posts, Channels steps away from the sometimes-hostile atmosphere that has turned some users away from other social networks.
Channel followers can also easily share WhatsApp channel posts with individual contacts and WhatsApp groups, helping to keep their friends, families, and local communities informed.
Councillor Craig Leyland, Leader of East Lindsey District Council, said, “”I am delighted to announce the launch of our WhatsApp Channel, which is a significant step forward in improving our communication with residents, businesses, and visitors. This platform will enable us to share timely and relevant updates directly with the community, ensuring everyone stays connected and well-informed.”
West Lindsey businesses earn excellence in tourism shortlisting
Several in West Lindsey have been shortlisted for Tourism Excellence Awards organised by Destination Lincolnshire Awards.
The awards celebrate outstanding contributions to the county’s tourism and hospitality industry, recognising excellence, innovation, and dedication. They highlight businesses and individuals who significantly enhance Lincolnshire’s profile as a premier destination.
The businesses include:
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year: Ashleigh Farm Caravan and Glamping, Willingham by Stow
B&B and Guest House of the Year: The Old Posthouse B&B, Normanby-by-Spital
B&B and Guest House of the Year: Bridleway Bed and Breakfast, Grange de Lings
Experience of the Year | Sponsored by insight6: Lincolnshire Cookery School Limited, Snelland
New Tourism Business of the Year | Sponsored by East Lindsey District Council: Polish Bomber Squadrons Centre (RAF Ingham), Fillingham
Pub of the Year: The Cross Keys Stow, Stow
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year: Holly Cottage Breaks, Wickenby
Among the shortlisted nominees is Geoff Burton, representing the RAF Ingham Heritage Group, who has been recognised for his exceptional contributions to preserving the legacy of the Polish Bomber Squadrons during World War II.
His dedication to the RAF Ingham Polish Bomber Squadrons Centre has earned him a nomination for The Outstanding Contribution Award | Sponsored by Lincolnshire Showground. This acknowledgment underscores the vital role of individuals and organisations in promoting Lincolnshire’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Councillor Lesley Rollings, Chair of the Prosperous Communities Committee at West Lindsey District Council, expressed her pride in the achievements.
She said: “We are absolutely thrilled to see so many West Lindsey businesses and individuals shortlisted for the Destination Lincolnshire Awards. Special congratulations go to Geoff Burton and the RAF Ingham Heritage Group for their remarkable work in preserving an important part of our history.
“These recognitions are a testament to the hard work, creativity, and commitment of our community to delivering exceptional experiences for residents and visitors alike. It is inspiring to see West Lindsey so well represented.”
Landmark fish smoking business gears up for more expansion
The second phase of development of the iconic Alfred Enderby’s smokehouse on the port of Grimsby has begun to allow expansion of the business.
The smokehouse, first used as a blacksmiths, has been home to the fish curers since 1918. Earlier this year, the first phase of works at an adjacent building were completed, which included a new roof, renovation of original 1947 windows looking out over Royal Dock to the Dock Tower, and a full new system of gutters and downpipes.
Now, a second phase of works is under way which will completely transform the interior of building, known as Building 13, to expand the business.
Building 13 was constructed in 1947 as part of the post-war re-build of this area, the previous buildings have been demolished following bomb damage in World War 2.
It was built for the Marconi International Marine Communication Company, Ltd, who continued to use the building into the 1980s. By 1992, however, the full lease was assigned to Kevin Stanfield.
Alfred Enderby’s owner, Patrick Salmon, is now expanding into the building, which will have access through to the Smokehouse, creating a range of new facilities for his business.
He said: “We’re going to expand the smokehouse, giving us extra processing and office space as well as better mess facilities for our staff.”
Alongside this, he hopes to use the extra space to house cookery demonstrations and workshops, and a lift will be installed to make tours of the smokehouse more accessible.
Revesby Country Fair supports local communities through charity donations
The organisers of Revesby Country Fair, a popular Lincolnshire family day out, are supporting Lincolnshire communities by donating proceeds from the 2024 show to charity.
A total of eight charities have benefited from the funds, which were generated through sales for both trade stands and general public tickets to the show.
Charities receiving donations from this year’s event include Lincolnshire Emergency Blood Bikes Service, LIVES, Multiple System Atrophy Trust, Louth Search Dogs, Haven Domestic Abuse Service, The Butterfly Hospice Trust, Alzheimer’s UK and the Lincolnshire Rural Support Network.
John Roe, Chairman of Revesby Country Fair, said: “Each year, we donate a portion of the profits from ticket sales to local charitable causes and we’re thrilled with how much money the 2024 show raised.
“Although Revesby Country Fair is all about giving families a fantastic day out, we’re also committed to giving back to the local community and we do all we can to support charities as they work to improve the lives of local people.
“A big thank you goes to all our supporters, both exhibitors and visitors – it’s your generosity that allows us to regularly continue to make these donations on behalf of the show.”
Heidi Freeman, Chief Executive Officer of The Butterfly Hospice Trust – Revesby Country Fair’s nominated charity for 2024 – said: “We’re so grateful to the organisers of Revesby Country Fair for selecting us as the nominated charity for 2024 and making this generous donation.
“This year, the show took place on our 10th anniversary – the 4th August 2014 is the day that we admitted our very first end-of-life patient – so attending the show and raising awareness of our work was a wonderful birthday present for us.
“This donation will be invaluable to us as we continue to provide free 24-hour patient care to those who need it most.”
Eleanor Jarvis, Events, Community and Digital Fundraising Officer at Multiple System Atrophy Trust, added: “We extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Revesby Country Fair for choosing to support us.
“This generosity means that we can continue to offer emotional support and practical help to our members, who are trying to navigate the stress, anxiety and uncertainty that comes from living with this little-understood disease.”
Following the success of the 2024 show, trade stand applications and sponsorship opportunities are now live for next year’s show, which will take place on Sunday 3rd August 2025.
Picture credit: Chris Vaughan Photography for Revesby Country Fair
Council takes steps towards acquiring former RAF Scampton site
West Lindsey District Council has officially submitted an expression of interest to acquire the former RAF Scampton site after the Home Office declared the site ‘surplus to its requirements’.
The move comes two years after the council unveiled a once in a generation £300m development plan for the site, in collaboration with a development partner, Scampton Holdings Ltd.
The regeneration opportunity was paused when the Home Office intervened using emergency powers, to use the site for asylum accommodation. However, on 5th September this year they confirmed they would not proceed with its asylum accommodation plans on the site.
The Home Office declared the site as surplus to their operational requirements and listed the site on the government’s Electronic Property Information System.
This triggered a 40-day expression of interest period, during which time any public sector organisations could set out their case for acquisition. The deadline for submission of expressions of interest was 12 December.
Cllr Trevor Young, Leader of West Lindsey District Council confirmed the council officially submitted its expression of interest in acquiring the site.
He said: “With the site now officially surplus to Home Office requirements, the council sees an opportunity to revisit and advance our development goals in partnership with key stakeholders. Subject to Home Office decision making, this will enable us to continue our journey to secure the significant investment and regeneration of this key, strategic site
“RAF Scampton is a site of immense historical and economic importance, and we remain committed to unlocking its full potential for the benefit of our community.
“While the past two years have brought challenges, we are determined to pursue our original vision and ensure the site is used in a way that respects its legacy and supports sustainable growth.”
The council’s plans aim to honour RAF Scampton’s heritage and create business, aerospace, space and education opportunities to stimulate the local economy. The opportunity at RAF Scampton is included in the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan, which has been named the Best Plan in the East Midlands by the Royal Town Planning Institute.
Peter Hewitt, Chairman of Scampton Holdings Limited welcomed the news and said: “This is a chance to reignite our plans that prioritise economic growth, historical preservation, and community needs. We are committed to doing what we can and continue to work hard with the Council to ensure a bright future for RAF Scampton.”
The council has submitted an expression of interest which sets out the case for site acquisition and how the site can support the mission for inclusive, sustainable, growth and regeneration. The Council will continue to engage with residents, businesses, and stakeholders to ensure a collaborative approach to its future. Further updates will be provided once the outcome of the expression of interest is known.
Flood defences bolstered with addition of 90,000 tonnes of rock armour
The Environment Agency’s £29m Stallingborough 3 sea defence improvements project between Immingham and Grimsby has seen 90,000 tonnes of rock armour put in place to protect three kilometres of extorting defences.
Put in place by contractors Jackson’s Civil Engineering and their sub-contractors, the rock armour is one of the most sustainable and low-carbon options available and minimises the potential impact on the area’s internationally important habitats.
It will help fortify the walls and prevent the sea undermining them for at least a further 25 years, taking account of climate change predictions.
Refurbishment and erosion protection works were also carried out to a further 1.5km at the southeastern frontage, where the waves are less powerful.
The scheme better protects 2,400 properties, as well as the large industrial area, critical infrastructure and major developments.
Mark Adams, the Environment Agency’s local Client Lead for the project said: “It’s great to see the project reach this important milestone, that strengthens the defences and better protects the local communities and businesses.
“Works to improve the flood defences are vital to manage the threat of flooding and will help drive business confidence and investment in the area. But despite our best efforts, flooding can still happen.”
The majority of the works at the site have now been paused for winter due to ecological restrictions to help wildlife.
From next spring the main outfall improvements will re-commence at Oldfleet Drain and New Cut Drain near Grimsby. These will build flood resilience by improving sustainability and maintenance accessibility into the future.
Bringing music and joy to Ruckland Court Care Home with SoundLINCS
Residents at Ruckland Court Care Home, in the heart of North Lincoln, have been having an absolutely wonderful time enjoying music sessions led by the fantastic team at SoundLINCS. These sessions have been a brilliant way for everyone to come together, explore their musical side, and have a bit of fun in the process.
The sessions are skillfully led by Christina, who has brought so much energy and joy into the home. She sings, plays musical instruments, and breaks down songs so that everyone can get involved. It’s all about making sure the residents feel included and get the chance to sing along, tap to the beat, and enjoy every moment.
For anyone who doesn’t know, SoundLINCS is a wonderful not-for-profit organisation that believes music has the power to change lives. They run all kinds of workshops for people from different backgrounds, creating exciting and tailored music-making opportunities that are perfect for each group they work with.
At Ruckland Court, Christina has worked her magic, and the sessions have quickly become a highlight for residents. From the first session, she’s taken the time to understand what the residents enjoy.
April, the Wellbeing Coordinator, helped kick things off by suggesting some tracks, and since then, Christina has tailored every session to suit the group. She’s even brought along fun props like handbells and maracas, so residents can really get stuck in and enjoy a proper musical experience.
April shared how much these sessions have meant to everyone: “It’s been such a joy to welcome Christina from SoundLINCS into our home. The residents have absolutely loved every session—seeing their faces light up as they sing and move along to the music has been so rewarding. It’s not just fun; it’s also a great way to keep active and lift everyone’s spirits.”
Adam Atkin, the Home Manager, added: “We’re so grateful to Christina and SoundLINCS for everything they’ve done. It’s been amazing to see how much the residents have embraced these sessions, with some even getting up to dance. A big thank you to April as well for organising these wonderful experiences. These moments are so important for keeping our residents happy and engaged.”
At Ruckland Court, it’s all about making sure the residents have opportunities to enjoy life to the fullest—and these music sessions have certainly struck the right note.
For more information about Ruckland Court Care Home, please contact Adam Atkin, Home Manager on 01522 530 217 or email careenquiries@countrycourtcare.com
Conservation project takes Mermaid Cafe back to its railway roots
The 150-year-old Mermaid Café building on Cleethorpes is to be reborn in its original guise – as a waiting room for the recently opened Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway.
Now part of the listed buildings on Cleethorpes Railway Station, its restoration project will involve conserving the Victorian cast iron framework of the building, full restoration and conservation of the timber elements of the building, and a new roof.
The building will be repainted in the original livery colours of the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway company.
Leaseholders Charles Crawford and Craig Brown said: “This is something that we’ve been wanting to do for a long time, having gained planning and Listed Building consent back in 2021. Due to the complexities of the restoration, we knew that financial support would be required, and we’re really pleased to get the backing of The National Lottery Heritage Fund for some of the work. We can’t wait to see what the building will look like when it’s restored.”
The Railway Trust will provide match funding for this project. The Trust’s Tim Hedley–Jones aid: “We’re really happy to be working collaboratively with both the leaseholders and the council, and provide this additional funding to help restore this former railway building.”
Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “I’m really pleased to see this particular building come forward as part of the Townscape Heritage Project. It’s one of the key buildings that people see as they arrive in Cleethorpes on the train, and to have it restored to its former glory will be wonderful!”
The work will be carried out by CAG, who have completed heritage works in other areas of the resort as part of the National Lottery funded Townscape Heritage grant programme.
Planning permission is already in place for the work to the building, and initial internal work has begun, with hoardings already up around the building and the iron work set to be removed before Christmas. The main work will start in the new year, with a view to being completed before the main summer season.
