Work has started on a major project to save energy and reduce running costs at Grantham Meres Leisure Centre.
South Kesteven District Council earlier this year received a £399,000 grant from Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund to install an additional 574 solar panels at the centre.
The investment helps meet commitments in the South Kesteven Corporate Plan to tackle the challenge of climate change, and encourage sport and physical activity to support healthy lifestyles.
Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Rhys Baker, said: “We were delighted that our bid for this funding was successful.
“The Council is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of residents by providing them with the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities – and our leisure centres are a key part of this.”
The solar panel installation, which is expected to take three weeks to complete, will significantly reduce SKDCs carbon footprint and deliver long-term cost savings of more than £50,000 a year.
Leisure Energy have been appointed as Principal Contractor for the installation, and also assisted the Council in securing the funding.
The Swimming Pool Support Fund was established in recognition of significant challenges local authorities face nationally in continuing to operate public swimming facilities, as a result of the higher cost of utilities and pool chemicals.
The Council received a further £46,725 for pool covers to help to maintain the required temperature of the pool water and assist in reducing energy usage at the Meres.
Cllr Baker said: “Leisure and fitness activities can have a positive impact on people’s mental health and it’s important that we do all we can to ensure our facilities are up to the standard that users expect.”
Holly Jarvis, Project Manager for Leisure Energy, said: “We are pleased to be supporting South Kesteven in their commitment towards their net zero targets by carrying out the installation of the solar panels at the Grantham Meres Leisure Centre and also ensuring that the community will have a more sustainable leisure facility for future generations.”
When the grant was approved Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director – Place for Sport England, said: “Swimming pools and leisure centres are vital community resources and are enormously important in helping people to be physically active.
“Many pools have faced a real and significant threat to their survival this year, as local authorities and operators have battled the challenge of increased energy and wider costs.
“Sport England is proud of the role we’ve played in supporting these facilities through this difficult period. We hope our funding will enable more public pools to improve their energy efficiency to be more environmentally and financially sustainable, so they remain available for future generations to enjoy.”
SKDC, through its company LeisureSK Ltd, is responsible for the leisure centres in Grantham, Stamford and Bourne.
Wanted: New Lincolnshire Co-op store sites could earn £5,000 reward for finders
Lincolnshire Co-op has taken a radical step in its search for about 30 new stores by offering a £5,000 finder’s fee to anyone who can identify a suitable location.
It has pledged to pay the money when stores are opened on the identified sites as it seeks to expand its food business by about a third.
Following a £1.8m investment, Laceby Food Store near Grimsby opened in late June, and Scartho Food Store, also near Grimsby, opens this week.
As well as building new stores, the Co-op is open to renovating existing buildings, taking on freehold and leasehold sites, and business acquisitions.
The retailer has expressed interest in sites within Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, and North Norfolk.
Steve Leach, Lincolnshire Co-op’s COO, said: “We have an ambition to be the UK’s fastest growing co-operative, and we’re keen to deliver even more valued services.
“We’re driven by our purpose, which is to make life better in our communities. Having a presence in more communities means we’re able to make even more of an impact.”
New hub to support the wellbeing of care partners at Pilgrim Hospital
A new hub to support the wellbeing of care partners and provide practical advice and guidance has opened at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston.
The Care Partner Hub is a joint venture between United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (ULTH) and Carers First and aims to improve the quality of life of care partners, including young carers, those caring for someone at the end of their life or with dementia and those that have been bereaved.
Inside the hub, volunteers from ULTH and Carers First will be able to offer a wide range of services and comprehensive local resources, including carers assessment referrals and support, carers awareness training for professionals, and information, advice and signposting, in addition to being a friendly space for a chat with people that understand.
The hub is open initially Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 12 noon and 4pm. Volunteers can also be contacted during these times on 01205 443093 or by emailing carepartnerhub@ulh.nhs.uk.
The Care Partner Hub is part of ULTH’s commitment to recognising the invaluable role of carers as experts, and the hub will raise awareness of the Trust’s Care Partner Badge Scheme, which helps recognise the role of care partners within hospitals to give them greater flexibility to stay outside of visiting hours and inclusion in care, admittance and discharge discussions if they choose to be.
Sharon Kidd, Patient Experience Manager at ULTH, said: “Part of supporting our patients is also about looking after those that look after them, especially as care partners are often the experts in understanding what their loved one may need.
“Being a carer is a complex commitment, and creating a safe space just for them to talk to people that understand, and to be signposted to support they may be interested in accessing now or in the future, is a vital part of supporting their wellbeing and acknowledging the incredible service they provide.
“One of the focuses of the hub is to raise awareness of what being a care partner can mean, and to spread awareness of the help on offer to those with caring responsibilities and their loved one, and to break stigmas of accepting help to encourage care partners to seek support in whatever capacity they need to prevent burnout, compassion fatigue or adversely impacting their own health and wellbeing.”
Sam Marshall, Carers First Volunteer Manager, said: “We speak to many people that we would identify as carers, but often they say that they are just doing what families do and aren’t always aware of the levels of support on offer to them.
“The new hub creates a space in a hospital setting that’s just for carers, where they can have discussions away from staff involved with the care of their loved one and put their needs at the centre of the conversation, whether that’s a coffee and a friendly chat or being brave enough to admit they’re struggling and need some help.”
The refurbishment for the Care Partners Hub has been provided by the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity.
Ben Petts, Charity Manager, said: “Care partners play an unmeasurable role in supporting the health and wellbeing of their family members and companions, but unfortunately can often be unrecognised.
“We’re delighted to be able to support a project that can help make care partners lives a little easier, whether that’s information and referrals to give them practical support, or friendly chat and wellbeing check-in with people that understand.”
Image credit: United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Landscape works commence to create new £7.3m National Trust wetland nature reserve on Lincolnshire coast
Landscape works have commenced to transform a former golf course into a wetland nature reserve in Lincolnshire.
Located at Sandilands, near Sutton-on-Sea, the National Trust’s 62-acre site will see open water and islands, grasslands and sand-dunes, as well as reedbeds and ponds, complete with walkways and boardwalks.
A new visitor centre and café, designed by local practice Jonathan Hendry Architects, will help fund the conservation of the wetland when the project completes in Spring 2026.
Sandilands sits on the ‘east coast flyway’ migration route and the new reserve will be a vital resting and refuelling stop for birds as well as a habitat for hundreds of species of wildlife and flora.
Newark-based Influence Landscape Planning & Design was appointed by the National Trust to deliver Stage 4 technical design services, and Stages 5-7 landscape architecture services for onsite monitoring for the implementation of the works.
Shona Hatton, director at Influence Landscape Planning & Design, said: “We are very proud to be assisting the National Trust in the delivery of its first nature reserve in the county. The land formation for the wetland creation to the south of the site is well under way, and it’s already possible to get a real sense of what the final site will look like.
“The Lincolnshire Coast is rich in biodiversity and the National Trust is working hard to protect and enhance the natural world here, creating new habitats for migrating birds and many other species. Our designs give nature a place to flourish, and inclusive, accessible spaces for people to enjoy it.”
Kirsty James, general manager for Sandilands, said: “A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes and we are excited now to see work begin on the physical changes at Sandilands.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the area transform to not only create a haven for wildlife, but also provide a peaceful and calm space for people to walk, spend time with friends and family, and simply enjoy the beauty of nature and the outdoors.”
Image: An impression of the wetland habitats – copyright National Trust, Peter Farmer, Wayne Lagden
Community and skills projects awarded over £325,000 in latest round of UK Shared Prosperity Funding
Community projects and skills programmes in Boston and East Lindsey have been given a boost of more than £325,000 combined from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), distributed by the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, and Lincolnshire Community Foundation (LCF).
Several community projects, sports clubs, parish councils and village halls have been awarded more than £250,000 across the two districts in the final round of funding from LCF’s GRASSroots scheme, which has been funded by UKSPF.
The GRASSroots scheme has now given £1.9 million in grants. With match funding, this has led to a total investment of £2.9 million in parish councils, village halls and small community projects.
Funding has also been awarded to support Boston’s Christmas Event, ensuring that the success of last year is repeated and developed further in support of town centre businesses.
Additionally, more than £77,000 of savings generated through the efficient management of current contracts have been awarded to projects which fall under the People & Skills theme of the Partnership’s UKSPF programme.
This has been awarded after a competition between existing UKSPF Skills projects which are already successfully delivering, in order to support them to ‘scale up’ and reach more residents at this late stage in the programme’s life.
The GRASSroots funding has been awarded to:
Boston:
Leverton Village Hall – renovation of the hall, including upgrading the toilets and kitchen space, along with the addition of a wheelchair ramp.
The Local Community Centre, Boston – New fire alarm system.
Forbes Road Bowls Club, Boston – Fibreglass shelter and new spectators’ patio.
Fishtoft 400 – Portable defibrillator and provision of mobility and balance classes.
Friends of Holland Fen with Amber Hall – refurbishment of village hall toilets plus a new fridge/freezer.
Swineshead Silver Band – External building works to weatherproof building.
East Lindsey:
East Lincolnshire Food Collective, Wragby – Distribution of food to East Coast communities along with setting up of Children Eat Free.
North Thoresby Community Orchard – Acquisition, creation and installation of a community orchard space.
Skegness Islamic Centre – Capital works to the community spaces and funding to support community activities.
Thornton Le Fen Parish Council – The development of community greens incorporating Gipsey Bridge and Bunkers Hill.
The Village Church Farm, Skegness – Development of an outdoor community space.
Stixwold Village Hall – Community garden creation project.
Horncastle Parkrun – Set up and running costs of a Parkrun group in Horncastle.
Alvingham Village Hall – Heating, cooling and ventilation system.
Horncastle & District Community Association – Replacement of centre windows.
Partney Dalby & Dexthorpe Memory Victory Hall – Refurbishment of hall toilets.
Covenham Village Volunteers – Replacing doors, upgrading kitchen facilities and building of fire exit.
Swifts Junior FC, Ingoldmells – The building of a disabled toilet and refurbishment of two mixed use toilets.
Baumber Village Hall – Building works to lay hardstanding and provide wheelchair accessibility.
Additional funding for expanding successful projects:
University of Lincoln – Higher Engineering – New to East Lindsey, this project has already been highly successful in Boston and South Holland. The University will deliver Level 4 ‘taster’ sessions introducing young people and adult learners to AI, Agri-Tech and careers in the food production sector.
UK Fresh Produce Network (UKFPN) – Access to Finance and Institutional Investment Event – UKFPN will hold an event at the London Stock Exchange, inviting businesses from East Lindsey (mainly from the agricultural sector) to meet financial experts from banks, venture capital firms and institutional investors, with a view to securing additional inward investment.
PAB Languages – Global Gateway – A programme supporting the development of entrepreneurship and upskilling employees of our larger businesses to engage with export and international markets – funding means it is now available in East Lindsey.
Boston Town Centre 2024 Christmas Event – Funding towards the new synthetic ice rink at the event.
Steadfast Training – Connect2Grow – A project which is helping individuals who are out of work with skills training and support, identifying suitable vacancies, providing job interviews and follow-on in-work support. Currently running in South Holland and Boston, this funding will open the project up to East Lindsey.
Councillor Anne Dorrian, leader of Boston Borough Council, said: “It’s great to see a number of projects across the Borough receiving funding which I know will go towards making a huge difference to all of the communities involved.
“I’m also delighted that funding has been made available for the town’s Christmas event this year. It promises to build on the success of last year’s event, which was also supported by the UKSPF, and will bring festive joy to our residents, businesses and visitors.”
East Lindsey Councillors Steve Kirk, portfolio holder for The Coastal Economy, and Adam Grist, portfolio holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy, said: “This final round of awards from LCF certainly does not disappoint, with several projects across the district receiving grants. Each one will have an impact on many people and we’re looking forward to seeing the results.
“In addition to this, it is brilliant to see that skills programmes will be given a boost with further funding. Many people are already taking advantage of the free training on offer from a number of different providers, made possible by UKSPF, and we are pleased that many more will be able to do this as a result of this latest funding boost.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG
‘Escapes’ previews highly anticipated film, Layla, for free independent cinema screening in Lincolnshire
Returning this November for its 8th edition, Escapes is joining forces with over 150 independent cinemas across the UK, including in Lincolnshire, to encourage everyone to enjoy an exciting trip to the big screen.
Whether someone that rarely prioritises a trip to the cinema, someone who treasures a visit but only on special occasions, or someone who loves to uncover new experiences, Escapes is on a mission to bring new audiences to the cinema.
Escape’s latest film is Layla, the daring yet tender romance set in and around East London’s iconic drag clubs, exploring the story of the eponymous British-Palestinian drag queen as they embark on a journey of self-discovery.
The highly anticipated release will be previewed across 150 independent cinemas on the evening of Monday 11 November, with more than 15,000 free cinema tickets available. In Linconlshire, cinemas include Playhouse in Louth, Kinema in Woodall Spa, and Loewen in Mablethorpe.
Helping to make cinema more accessible, all Escapes screenings of Layla will be presented with descriptive subtitles on screen.
Continuing its year of free independent film, every month Escapes will announce a new film to preview. Tickets are FREE and available for sign up now via: escapes.cinematik.app
Lincoln sightseeing bus tours earns national recognition
VisitEngland has awarded Lincoln’s sightseeing bus tour 95% on its quality assurance scale, earning it a Gold Accolade.
The Gold Awards are given every year to participants in the Visitor Attraction quality scheme who achieve a high standard, and that the assessor felt were truly deserving of recognition.
Nominations for the accolade are based on a range of feedback, including the annual assessment, observations by the assessor, customer feedback – both directly to VisitEngland and online customer reviews.
Sharon Stone, Corporate Manager responsible for the Sightseeing Tour Bus, said: “This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Tour Guides and the operator Stagecoach East Midlands – I couldn’t ask for a better team!”
The overall Visitor Attraction Scheme is designed to help visitor attractions to improve, whether through increased visitor numbers, a more engaged visitor experience. The Tour assessment is tailored to the type of experience offered to visitors, in our case, 2,000 years of history with live commentary to include Lincoln’s Magna Carta, the stunning Cathedral and Castle, Roman Lincoln, Aviation Heritage and much more.
Accreditation was awarded based on feedback from a mystery passenger, who turned out to be the Lead Assessor for the UK. The assessment was based on a number of criteria including the branding and appearance of the sightseeing bus, the welcome by trained Tour Guides, the live commentary of 2,000 years of history, our advertising collateral and customer feedback.
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “These accolades highlight the wonderful visitor experiences provided by English attractions, from the warmest of welcomes to amazing food and drink, from great storytelling to outstanding customer service.
“Our tourism businesses are the bedrock of our industry and it is wonderful to highlight and celebrate the fantastic service and experiences they give visitors, time-after-time. From museums, gardens and nature reserves to farm attractions, estates and theme parks, these attractions go out of their way to make visits memorable.”
Christmas Lights Festival returns to Gainsborough
The Christmas Lights Festival in Gainsborough returns this November, bringing with it fun for the whole family.
The festive spectacular takes place over 15 and 16 November. The excitement includes vintage fairground rides, a giant snow globe, street artists and entertainers.
On both days the main stage in Market Place will see local schools and choirs taking the spotlight. Keeping with the musical theme, there will be a DJ on Friday evening, while on Saturday live bands will take to the stage to perform.
Market Street will be lined with food stalls and festive traders, offering the best in local, independent, traders. Market Street will again be closed to passing traffic for the entirety of the event.
The event is organised by West Lindsey District Council with support from Gainsborough Town Council and is sponsored by local businesses.
Cllr Lesley Rollings, Deputy Leader of the Council and Chairman of Prosperous Communities at West Lindsey District Council, said she was looking forward to the community getting together for the event.
“The Christmas Lights Festival really does create a magical atmosphere in Gainsborough that is enjoyed by the local community and visitors alike. What a wonderful fun-filled way to head into Christmas.”
Car Parking is free from 6pm on Friday 15 November and all day Saturday 16 November in Council-owned car parks for the event.
New kit for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance doctor thanks to Len Pick Trust
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) is saying a huge thanks to the Len Pick Trust for generously funding the cost to kit out one of its new doctors.
Doctor Chris Woodmansey joined LNAA earlier in the year and needed to be kitted out with a made to measure outfit that would be suitable for the demanding work that he and the rest of the LNAA team undertake every day.
Thanks to the Trustees at The Len Pick Trust and their generous donation of £3,554, Chris now has a specifically designed uniform which will help him to provide a range of emergency procedures for the patients that he will treat.
He said: “Our uniform is essential for the work that we do, and we ask it to do a lot for us! It’s vital that we can get to anyone who needs our help no matter where or when the incident happens. So, the uniform must be built for below-zero winter nights, fire resistance, climbing through a hedge, walking down a ditch, or any other conditions we find after landing.
“There are multiple durable storage pockets which allows us to keep emergency equipment immediately to hand but protected. And a uniform that fits well means we’re not inhibited when performing a procedure or rushing to a patient.”
The Len Pick Trust, based in Bourne, Lincolnshire give grants to organisations that will benefit the people of the town. Trustee David Bailey explained why it was so important for them to make this donation to LNAA.
He said: “Everybody in Bourne could benefit from Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance at any time. Bourne is a rural town and the importance is there for all to see. The air ambulance flies overhead regularly and most of us know people in the town who have been helped by LNAA.
“These uniforms are not just a nice set of uniforms, they are protecting the medics. Our funding has bought a uniform that will look after the person looking after the patient.”
Work through your wedding planning list at the Newark and Notts County Wedding Show
Ready to get working through that wedding planning list? Enjoy the Newark and Notts County Wedding Show on Sunday 3rd November, 11.00am-3.00pm, at the Newark Showground, where you will meet the region’s greatest wedding suppliers, discover the latest trends, and find all the inspiration you need to make your special day the most memorable occasion.
You’ll also have the chance to pick up a copy of Lincolnshire Today’s wedding guide!
Whether you have just started planning your wedding or you only have a few things left to organise, you will get so much out of visiting the show – you will be able to smell the flowers, try on the jewellery, taste the cake, feel the fabric, hear your favourite music, and most importantly you can talk directly to the experts to discuss you own unique and personal requirements.
You can see new wedding ideas and start ticking everything off that wedding planning ‘to do’ list! See amazing wedding venues, beautiful wedding gowns to suit all budgets, incredible photographers to ensure you capture every special moment, stunning wedding transport to ensure you get to your wedding in style, decor to wow, and much, much more. You will find everything you need to plan your special day at this fantastic event!
To ensure you get the most out of your day…
- Visit www.cupidsweddingshows.com for your FREE tickets.
- Bring labels with your name and email address printed on them. Many exhibitors will ask for your details usually to send your further information and offers after the event. If you already have these printed it will save you a lot of time on the day!
- You could create a temporary wedding email address to pass on to suppliers. Many people do not like passing on their personal email address – this way suppliers can still send you information and offers after the show.
- Bring swatches of material or ribbon in your chosen colour scheme to help when talking to exhibitors (for example florists could recommend certain flowers in season the date of your wedding which will match your chosen colours).
- Talk to as many suppliers as you can – many will have gifts for every couple.
- Most importantly – enjoy the day!
