Ruckland Court Care Home officially declared open by Mayor of Lincoln
On Wednesday 13th of March, Ruckland Court Care Home, nestled in the Ermine district of north Lincoln, was officially opened by the Right Worshipful Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Biff Bean who cut the ribbon together with Al-Karim Kachra, Co-CEO of Country Court.
The event was to celebrate the completion of the renovation and refurbishments which have recently taken place. Families and friends of the residents and the wider community were all invited to attend the event, hosted by staff from the home.
Visitors enjoyed a fantastic afternoon tea-themed buffet, live music and tours of the home to showcase the stunning new rooms. Entertainment was also arranged for residents and visitors to enjoy in the two lounge dining rooms for the afternoon so everyone could feel involved in the event.
The Mayor of Lincoln, Biff Bean said: “Thank you for inviting me to officially open Ruckland Court Care Home. I am so impressed with the results of the refurbishments. I visited the home in December while some of the work was taking place and I was looking forward to returning. I am very impressed with the results. It’s a beautiful building.”
Co-CEO of the award-winning Country Court group Al-Karim Kachra said during his speech: “We need to give a big round of applause to everyone who has been involved, including the staff team who have continued to do an amazing job and for MV construction and the development team who have worked so hard during this project.
“The feedback regarding the cooperation and the positivity about this project is beyond anything I have known and is a testament to the home manager and his dedicated staff team.”
The residents, their families and friends enjoyed relaxing in the new Coffee Club bistro, which is a fantastic new area where they can socialise with tea or coffee and cake, making it feel even more welcoming and inclusive.
Adam Atkin, Home Manager of Ruckland Court, said: “The transformation has been incredible, and the new facilities will be of huge benefit to the residents. The new Coffee Club bistro and the lounge dining rooms provide great spaces for inviting people from the community to join our residents for events and special occasions.
“I am proud of my staff team who have had a positive attitude with all the work taking place, while still caring for our residents and I would like to say thank you to the families for being patient while all the refurbishments were under construction.
“The reactions of residents, families and staff have been a true wow moment. I look forward to the residents taking full advantage of the new facilities in their home.”
For more information about Ruckland Court Care Home or to make an appointment to view the home please contact, Adam Atkin Home Manager on 01522 530 217 or email rucklandcourt@countrycourtcare.com.
Construction underway on new further and higher education campus in Skegness
Construction has started on the new campus for Skegness TEC which will deliver further and higher education courses for the residents of Skegness and surrounding communities.
The new campus, supported by a £14 million government-funded Connected Coast Town Deal, is set to make a huge impact in the community, offering further and higher education tailored towards vocational skills training to meet local needs.
Having gained planning permission from East Lindsey District Council last year, works are now underway on the Wainfleet Road site, led by contractors Hobson and Porter.
Ann Hardy, CEO of TEC Partnership, said: “I am delighted that construction is underway on our new Skegness Learning Campus. It is going to be great to see our designs and plans become a reality. The new learning campus will bring with it a broad curriculum and new opportunities for the community of Skegness.”
Chris Baron, Chair of Connected Coast, said: “It is fantastic to see work now underway on the Learning Campus, a development set to be genuinely transformational for local people, offering access to training in much-needed subjects in Skegness.
“The Learning Campus is Connected Coast’s flagship Town Deal, and it has the potential to be an economic game changer for the area, allowing people to gain the skills and knowledge they need to get the jobs they want.
“The start of work is a hugely significant milestone, and I look forward to seeing this exciting new facility come out of the ground over the coming months, ready to welcome students in 2025.”
The campus will in turn bring enhanced employment opportunities and a broader range of curriculum tailored to economic changes and demands. Over the coming years, the project aims to help over 1,000 residents into employment, supporting growth in the local economy and enriching the community.
Image courtesy of TEC Partnership
Etched Yorkstone paving recalls wedding of the milk bottle bride
Next month will mark 80 years since one of the most unusual weddings recorded in Grimsby Minster’s history.
On 19 April, 1944, the marriage took place of an airman to his dairy worker wife at a bomb-ravaged Grimsby Minster, and this is still remembered in the etched paving in St James’ Square.
The ornate paving was laid on two sections of pathway, which lead from St James’ Hotel to the Minster as part of the most recent renovation works to the square.
The Scoutmoor Yorkstone paving bears more than two dozen etchings of words, sentences, and symbols with connections to the town’s past, present and future. They are the creation of artist Adrian Riley, who spent weeks researching local heritage and speaking to people about their memories and those of their ancestors, before creating the artwork.
One of the men Adrian contacted was former Hereford School deputy headteacher Vic Jay, which resulted in the following words being etched onto one of the stones: “My parents’ wedding took place on 19th April 1944. Vera’s colleagues from the dairy provide a guard of honour with milk bottles.”
Vic, now retired and living in North Yorkshire, recounted the story of his parents’ marriage and how it took place in the Minster, then St James’ Church, on April 19, 1944 – less than a year after it had been damaged by a German bomb.
His dad Bob had been an airman in the Second World War whilst his mum Vera Stephenson worked at a dairy near Scartho – hence the milk bottles! However, to marry had not been easy for the couple. Owing to Vera’s age, she was just 19, Bob had to get permission to marry from her father. He refused and a visit to the local magistrate followed.
Vic takes up the story: “After a visit to the magistrate, my dad, wearing his R.A.F. uniform and speaking in his usual confident way, had little difficulty in persuading him that he was a fine upstanding young man, worthy of anyone’s hand in marriage. The magistrate then directed some harsh words at my grandad and gave Bob and Vera permission to marry.”
Bob, a fireman in Grimsby before working on the Humber Bank, lived happily with Vera and their three children until his death in 1974. Vic though has ensured the memory of his father, and late mother, lives on after researching and writing a book.
‘The Mallon Crew’ charts the history of Flight Engineer Bob and his fellow Lancaster bomber crew, who were piloted by New Zealander Bill Mallon. The wedding of his parents is also recounted by Vic who is proud to see a memory of that happy occasion on his family’s ‘very own paving stone’.
New video shows Grimsby and Cleethorpes in a different way
Lincolnshire videographer Rich Beach has worked with Discover North East Lincolnshire to create a new look at Grimsby and Cleethorpes with a film capturing key landmarks and memorable locations, promoting the towns to visitors and residents.
It’s being launched at the start of English Tourism Week, and uses photography techniques that trick the mind into thinking the image is of a miniature world. The end result is that the footage is transformed into what looks like a Hornby diorama!
Hayden Dawkins, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy said: “This captivating video gives the audience a glimpse of what’s on offer in North East Lincolnshire as a coastal destination, whether that’s to visit or to live here.
“We’re really excited to launch this video at the start of English Tourism Week and we hope it will provoke feelings of pride amongst local businesses and our residents. We want people to show it to their customers, friends and family and show off just how lovely our area is.”
Videographer and creator of the video Rich Beach said: “The whole process is complicated and can only really be shot on bright sunny days when there is little wind.”
“I heavily saturate the colours to emphasise the toy effect, and bright sunlight is needed for this. I also use a sun calculator app that tells me when the sun in on the face of a particular building, so I can plan the shots and the order in which I shoot them.
“The best part of this film was getting the chance to stay in Cleethorpes for a week to shoot it, enjoying all the great beaches and attractions . It’s not often I get to combine a filming job with a holiday.” The video is on YouTube.
New vans to the rescue! Lincs fire service brings in new vehicles
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue have seven new Technical Rescue Vehicles – vans that carry specialist equipment for incidents like water rescue and animal rescue.
The service relies on a whole host of vehicles and equipment which all play vital roles in operations. The previous rescue units had reached the end of their serviceable life, and have been replaced with bigger and better vehicles that are also more efficient.
Designed with input from firefighters and incident data, the new vehicles can even carry heavy rescue equipment used to shore up buildings to prevent building collapses.
Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, executive councillor for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “When new equipment and vehicles are needed, we’re constantly looking for what best meets the needs of our fire crews and the communities they serve.
“Investing in these TRVs means that a wider selection of equipment can be transported to incidents, and without the need for trailers, making them more efficient. They can also be used more flexibly for a much wider range of incidents, offering greater resilience.
Chief Fire Officer for Lincolnshire, Mark Baxter, said: “These vehicles are more efficient on every level and have been much improved to include lots of new features. They weigh in at 5.5t and allow for a wider collection of tools and equipment. Three of them carry equipment that can be used to provide a shelter with support and welfare functions at incidents, such as generators and IT equipment.
“They can also carry larger inflatable boats for rescue from water and animal rescue. Previously, they needed to be towed behind the TRVs.
“The vehicles have been ergonomically designed to make things easier for our crews with special shelving to help with getting to equipment, enhanced and additional lighting together with 360 cameras, an intelligent charging system, and a platform lift to assist with the handling of heavy equipment too.”
The new TRVs will be stationed strategically around the county to provide maximum coverage and optimum response. They attend specialised activities such as RTCs involving heavy vehicles, incidents involving large animals or water related incidents where there is a danger to life and also enhance and support general operations.
Teddies to bring comfort to LNAA’s youngest patients
Thanks to the generosity and kindness of the Lincolnshire Freemasons, the Patient Liaison Team at Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance are now the proud owners of 18 Teddy bears!
LNAA Patient Liaison Manager, Hayley Burton said: “These adorable ‘Teddies for Loving Care’ bears will bring comfort and warmth to paediatric patients during their time with us.
“These cuddly companions will be readily available to provide a source of solace and companionship whenever our young patients may need it most. And, when we need more, they’ll deliver more!
“We extend our thanks to the Lincoln Freemasons Division for their thoughtful donation and ongoing support of our mission to provide exceptional care to our youngest patients. Their generosity will undoubtedly make a significant difference in the lives of our paediatric patients and their families.”
Property owners praise Gainsborough buildings’ restoration
Property owners in Gainsborough are celebrating the restoration of important buildings thanks to the ‘invaluable’ funding that made the work possible.
The restoration work has been supported by West Lindsey District Council’s Townscape Heritage Initiative Scheme to preserve the architectural heritage of the town, including listed Georgian buildings, and to revitalise the community. The THI funding is backed by National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Levelling Up Fund.
One of the premises benefitting from funding is 37 Lord Street, familiar to most now as Café Latte. The Grade II listed building dates back to the early 19th century and is owned by Justin Leckie. Justin has been working with architect Eleanor McEvedy, who has previously worked on 27-29 Lord Street under the THI scheme.
Justin said: “The support received from West Lindsey District Council has allowed Café Latte, to return to its former glory and bring the building back to its best. The generous THI grant has allowed us to replace the outdated shop front with one which is much more in keeping with the listed Georgian property. In addition, work has taken place on the upper floor windows, the cast iron and lead water gutters as well as on repairing the brickwork on the gable end.
“Without the support of the Council I would not have been able to protect the heritage of the building or play a role in helping to stimulate the regeneration of the street as a whole.”
The schedule of works is expected to last eight weeks, with the final element – the fitting of a traditional canvas awning – due later this month.
The funding offers substantial grant aid towards the costs of renovating buildings, in a bid to bring empty properties back into use and maximising the potential for them to be used today.
3 Lord Street (now the Clock House) is also benefitting from the scheme. The building had been a school room in 1845, with the joiner Tom Lambert having a shop there at a similar time.
Owner Sunil Bejugam who also owns properties along 1-5 Lord Street said the THI funding had proved ‘invaluable’. “As a property investor in Gainsborough, my journey with 1, 3, 5 Lord Street has been a transformative one, made possible through the invaluable support of the Townscape Heritage Grant offered by West Lindsey District Council.
“The grant served as a beacon of hope, enabling me to envision and execute a comprehensive external renovation plan for the properties. The project included fundamental upgrades such as replacing outdated windows with elegant sash windows, refreshing the roof tiles, restoring two iconic chimneys, updating entrance doors, and enhancing business signage.”
Planning permission granted for Louth residential development
Planning permission has been granted to developer Charterpoint and housebuilder Snape Properties for a 90-home residential development in Louth.
It marks the sixth and final phase of the popular Westfield Park scheme masterminded by Charterpoint.
The developer has now sold the 12-acre site off Daisy Way to Snape Properties – paving the way for work to get under way on the final 90 homes.
Once these have been delivered, the 47-acre site will be complete – featuring a total of 330 homes, plus Meadows Park Care Home.
Adrian Goose, CEO of Charterpoint, said: “Westfield Park has developed into a flourishing community and this additional piece of land will facilitate the natural extension of it. It is the sixth and final phase of a residential scheme that we are very proud to have masterminded.
“The site off Daisy Way will provide 90 much-needed homes for the Louth area, and we are delighted that East Lindsey District Council has granted full planning permission for the scheme, which allows building work to start.”
The 90 properties include a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes, plus a children’s play area, surface water attenuation ponds, wildflower meadows, sustainable drainage and an amenity lawn for communal informal recreation.
The site, which is bounded by the A16 Louth bypass to the north west and by Westfield Park to the south and east, will include green infrastructure to provide an attractive quality environment for residents and visitors with consideration given to access for pedestrians and cyclists, enhancement of wildlife biodiversity, sustainable drainage solutions and promotion of use of outdoor spaces for improved mental and physical health and well-being.
Open water, swales and ditches are also included as part of the sustainable drainage strategy to contribute to local biodiversity.
Council takes steps to make walking at night safer in Scunthorpe
North Lincolnshire Council has teamed up with WalkSafe to help people feel even more safe and secure whilst walking in the town centre at night.
The WalkSafe North Lincolnshire app is free to download and allows users to select safer walking routes and be monitored by family and friends.
It also includes a map of Scunthorpe town centre showing all the locations where help is available. These include the new SOS stations which have CCTV and connect directly to the emergency services, Ask Angela venues where staff are trained to offer help and premises that have signed up to the council’s Safer Nights charter.
the arrival of WalkSafe comes after the launch of the Safer Nights NL charter, which brings together owners and workers in the night-time economy with a host of initiatives and projects to enable people to feel safer when using local pubs, clubs, eateries and taxis.
WalkSafe North Lincolnshire was launched at the Baths Hall by app founder Emma Kay with more than 40 representatives from the local night-time economy and the North Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership, which has funded and is backing the scheme.
Cllr John Davison said: “This is part of our commitment to keeping people safe when out in the town and increasing confidence for everyone enjoying our busy night-time economy.
“We understand that people, especially women, may feel vulnerable when out at night and this amazing app gives them peace of mind.
“It is also shows just how many businesses and organisations are on board with our Safer Nights charter, which is dedicated to keeping people safe and well while they enjoy themselves.”
Chief Superintendent Paul French of Humberside Police said: “Humberside Police are absolutely committed to working with our communities and our partners to ensure everyone can have a safe and enjoyable experience when out and around North Lincolnshire.”
The Safer Night NL campaign will soon be extended to rural locations across the area, starting with Brigg, where a Pubwatch scheme is being set up.
North Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership includes North Lincolnshire Council, Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue, Ongo, the National Probation Service, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB (Integrated Care Board) and the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Jon Evison.
Festival of the Sea sails into Grimsby for another year
The Festival of the Sea sails back into Grimsby on June 22nd to reacquaint the town with its seafaring traditions – and thousands are expected to take part.
Festival of the Sea is a celebration of Grimsby’s relationship with the sea through heritage and culture, whilst also looking to the future. The festival aims to engage, entertain, and inspire residents and visitors, and bring together the community for a day of fun, entertainment, and interactive learning.
North East Lincolnshire Councillor Hayden Dawkins, said: “This Festival will once again provide a true showcase for Grimsby and North East Lincolnshire. It will be packed with family entertainment, and is a perfect way to show how our past, great heritage can be brought into the modern day using the creativity and talent that now exists.”
There has been an overwhelming response to the 2024 event, which has led to an exciting programme of activities, performances, guided walks, installations, and projects.
Swans Events has worked alongside a steering group of local people who are passionate about Grimsby’s history and community spirit to help with programming for the festival for the second year.
Organiser Neoemi Antonelli said:“Festival of the Sea is a celebration of all that makes Grimsby unique. We’re thrilled to have a programme co-curated by local people who know and love this town.”
