The funds were raised through the recycling of metals recovered following cremation, as part of a nationwide initiative managed by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM).
So far, since the crematorium opened in January 2020, £84,600 has been donated to charities through the scheme.
The ICCM’s metal recycling scheme enables crematoria across the country to recycle metals from medical implants, such as titanium joints and plates, as well as other materials that remain after the cremation process.
The proceeds from the recycling are then distributed to various charitable causes.
Chairman of West Lindsey District Council, which runs Lea Fields Crematorium, Cllr Stephen Bunney said: “We are incredibly proud to be part of a scheme that not only contributes to environmental sustainability through recycling but also provides essential financial support to local charities like the Lincolnshire Air Ambulance.”
The donation will help support the vital, life-saving work of the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, which operates across the county, providing emergency medical care and rapid transport to critically injured and ill patients.
Joe Harper, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, said: “We are deeply grateful to Lea Field’s Crematorium’s metal recycling initiative for this incredible donation.
“At an average cost of £4,000 per mission, this donation will enable us to potentially save three lives. Your generosity helps keep our helicopters in the air and our critical care cars on the road providing pre-hospital critical care where it’s needed. On behalf of everyone at Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, thank you for your continued support.”
Deborah Balsdon, Manager of Lea Fields Crematorium, said: “The team at Lea Fields Crematorium are honoured to contribute to this life-saving service, which plays a crucial role in our community. We hope this donation will help the Air Ambulance continue their remarkable work in responding to emergencies across the region.
“We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported the recycling initiative and helping to contribute to good causes.”
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.
The Grove Care Home brews community spirit through charity coffee mornings
The Grove Care Home in Waltham has turned its monthly coffee mornings into a platform for charitable giving, bringing residents, families, and staff together to raise funds for vital causes. From delicious treats to meaningful conversations, these events have become a cornerstone of the care home’s community engagement.
Macmillan Coffee Morning: Brewing Support for Cancer Care
The Grove’s first charity coffee morning fundraiser was in support of Macmillan Cancer Support, a cause chosen by residents for its life-changing work. Guests gathered to enjoy coffee, tea, and a stunning array of homemade cakes, creating a welcoming and heartfelt atmosphere.
“Special thanks to Becky, our Client Services Manager; Rachael from Front of House; and Michelle, our Wellbeing Coordinator, for their incredible efforts in making this event a success. A huge shout-out to our kitchen team for the delicious cakes that delighted everyone,” shared Customer Relations Manager Ros Wells.
Together, the event raised an impressive £220 for Macmillan Cancer Support, with residents emphasizing how much the charity’s mission resonated with them.
“This wasn’t just about fundraising—it was about connection,” said Home Manager Cheryl Shorter. “Our coffee morning brought people together to share stories, build friendships, and show support for a cause close to their hearts.”
Breast Cancer Awareness Coffee Morning: Painting The Grove Pink
Following the success of the Macmillan event, The Grove hosted a Breast Cancer Awareness coffee morning under the theme “Together We Painted The Grove Pink.” Guests embraced the pink theme, donning colourful outfits and indulging in beautifully decorated pink fondant cakes.
“Our kitchen team outdid themselves again, and we were also grateful for contributions from attendees who brought homemade treats,” commented Ros Wells. “Thanks to their generosity, we raised an outstanding £247.70 for Breast Cancer Awareness.”
The event wasn’t just about funds—it also sparked meaningful discussions about breast health and awareness, making the morning both impactful and uplifting. Guests remarked, “Fabulous cakes and service,” and “Great morning—thank you for hosting!”
Looking Ahead: Supporting Local Causes
The Grove Care Home remains committed to championing important causes through its coffee mornings. The next event, “Tea and Tombola,” will take place on Wednesday, 8th January, from 2-4 pm, with funds going to The Refuge – Grimsby Women’s Aid, a local charity supporting women and children fleeing domestic abuse.
“Our coffee mornings highlight the incredible generosity of our community,” said Ros Wells. “We’re grateful to everyone who has attended and contributed to making a difference. These events are about more than fundraising—they’re about fostering a spirit of unity and care.”
For more information about upcoming community events at The Grove Care Home, contact Customer Relations Manager Ros Wells at 01472 821127 or via email at ros.wells@countrycourtcare.com
Council commits to Grimsby town centre rejuvenation
North East Lincolnshire Council has committed to continuing with one of the largest property schemes it has ever undertaken – the Freshney Place leisure scheme and associated new food hall and complementary market.
Council leader Philip Jackson said the council’s decision to bring forward and support the project would transform the centre of Grimsby.
The leisure scheme will occupy the western end of Freshney Place, the area that is currently the Top Town Market Hall, and some units on the Bullring, which will provide a new offering for the people and businesses in Grimsby town centre.
A pre-let agreement is in place with Parkway Cinema to bring a five-screen cinema to complement its offering at Cleethorpes.
Richard Parkes, owner of Parkway Cinema, said: “We’ve long discussed options for bringing a cinema to Grimsby, and reinventing Freshney Place is precisely the right approach. Town centres are not just about shopping – that doesn’t work any more. We need to provide more reasons to visit and offer more things to do at more times during the day, and that’s just what we’ve signed up for – to bring that to Grimsby.
“We’ll be a living, breathing presence right in the heart of the town, with a new cinema open to and accessible to everyone alongside a new market hall and food outlets. It’s just part of something that will improve the whole town centre for a new generation, alongside the youth zone and other areas of the town like St James Square and the Riverhead. There’s a lot going on, and we can’t wait to be part of it.”
The development also includes plans for a new, vibrant food hall together with an attached complementary market on the area of the former BHS building.
Four additional new leisure, food and beverage, or retail opportunities, including a larger unit to-let are also in the scheme footprint, alongside four refurbished units within Freshney Place, with the return of Starbucks already agreed, and discussions under way with a leading food outlet.
Work is expected to start on site early in the new year.
Yours for the asking: Household waste site offers free paint scheme
A ‘Community RePaint’ scheme at Grantham Household Waste Recycling Centre is helping prevent unused paint from going to waste by setting it to one side and giving it to anyone who wants it.
When usable paint is dropped off at the site it is added to the Community RePaint store from where anyone is encouraged to take it away for nothing.
Daniel McNally, executive councillor for waste at Lincolnshire County Council said that every year about 50 million litres of paint were thrown away across the UK. “We get a fair amount of nearly-new and sometimes unopened paint dropped off at our recycling centres in Lincolnshire. Through this scheme, we’re stopping a lot of this paint going to waste by allowing people to come along and take what they might need.
“If you’ve got a smaller job that needs doing, or something you just want to give a new lease of life to, this could save you some money on buying new. This paint would otherwise be sent to our energy from waste plant for disposal, so it’s keeping usable items in circulation too.
“Alongside our successful Reuse Shop at Tattershall, this is another way we’re thinking differently about our waste, trying to reduce the amount we throw away and reuse items as many times as possible.”
Community RePaint is a UK wide paint reuse network, sponsored by Dulux, with over 80 schemes operating nationally. The Grantham Community Repaint scheme is the first of its kind in Lincolnshire, with more planned to open at other household waste recycling centres in the county in 2025.
Crematorium donates £11,600 to Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance
Lea Fields Crematorium has donated £11,600 to Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, thanks to its participation in a metal recycling scheme.
Image credit: West Lindsey District Council Freemasons’ donation supports St Barnabas ‘hospice at home’ service
St Barnabas Hospice has been given £1,500 by Freemasons of Lincoln’s Witham Lodge – enough to provide a nurse for almost nine days of ‘hospice at home’ care, looking after people in the security of their own surroundings.
Lodge Master John McGowan said members chose the hospice to receive the money, raised at a social event, because a number had experienced first hand the care provided by the Hospice. He said: “Witham Lodge members think very highly of the work and services that St. Barnabas provides.”
Lodge members generated the funds at a social event through a raffle, auction, and other games.
Deborah Yarwood, Fundraising Officer for St. Barnabas, accepted the donation from John. She said the Hospice needed all the support it could muster. It costs the Hospice about £10m a year to run its services, but that just 22% came from central government. She said: “The care we provide is possible thanks only to the generosity of the local community.” Examples of the costs of running the hospice include a nurse on a Hospice ward for a full day at £237, a day of hospice at home care for £170, or a home visit for a new patient at a cost of £94.
Lincoln College spreads festive cheer in support of Cash for Kids charity
Lincoln College, in partnership with Bauer Media Group, is running the Mission Christmas project in support of the Cash for Kids charity, spreading festive cheer to children across Lincolnshire.
The project is not only about collecting gifts for children aged 0-18, but it is also deeply rooted in social responsibility, creating a positive impact on the local community. As winter sets in and the cost of living continues to stretch the finances of families, many face the harsh reality of making difficult decisions.
For them, Christmas is no longer a time of excitement and joy but a time of stark choices between heating their homes, buying food, or providing presents for their children. Mission Christmas aims to restore some of the magic of the season by ensuring that every child in the county receives a gift that will make their Christmas special.
Mark Locking, Principal and CEO at the Lincoln College Group, said: “At Lincoln College, we are committed to using our skills and resources to support those who need it most, particularly during the festive period. This project has provided our students with the opportunity to not only contribute to their local community but also to apply what they have learned in a real-world setting.
“Whether through designing and constructing donation boxes or creating festive branding, our students are at the heart of this mission, and they are incredibly proud to be making a difference. It’s an invaluable learning experience and a chance for them to be actively involved in a project that benefits others.”
Hannah Clark, Cluster Charity Manager East Yorkshire & Lincolnshire, said: “We are thrilled that we have been supported by Lincoln College – not only have they raised money and donated gifts – they have also donated their time to volunteer in the warehouse and make Christmas magical for 1000’s of local children.”
Throughout the campaign, students have been involved in various ways. In addition to the physical collection of gifts, Lincoln College’s Carpentry & Joinery students put their skills to the test by designing a custom drop-off box for donations, while Painting & Decorating students added a touch of Christmas magic by decorating the box with festive branding.
Through these hands-on experiences, students are not only contributing to a worthwhile cause, but they are also gaining invaluable work experience that aligns with their studies and future careers.
The Mission Christmas double-decker bus visited the campus on 5th December, and students took on the role of Santa’s helpers, collecting the gifts and loading them onto the bus for its tour of the county.
On 9th December, a dedicated group of students headed to the Mission Christmas HQ to assist in sorting the gifts by age and gender and packing them to ensure they fulfill the various requests from families in need.
Level 3 Business student, Mollie-Mae Carlisle, said: “I found the experience great – we got to get work experience hours in while also helping other people, so it was a win-win for both sides. I enjoyed specifically picking out the gifts that children would be receiving, it was personal. It shocked me how many presents people donated.”
Level 3 Business student, Ella-Louise Cross, said: “The amount of presents needed for boys ages 12-18 was shocking. Overall, it was a fun experience, finding presents and helping kids that are less fortunate.”
Throughout the campaign, students have been involved in various ways. In addition to the physical collection of gifts, Lincoln College’s Carpentry & Joinery students put their skills to the test by designing a custom drop-off box for donations, while Painting & Decorating students added a touch of Christmas magic by decorating the box with festive branding.
Through these hands-on experiences, students are not only contributing to a worthwhile cause, but they are also gaining invaluable work experience that aligns with their studies and future careers.
The Mission Christmas double-decker bus visited the campus on 5th December, and students took on the role of Santa’s helpers, collecting the gifts and loading them onto the bus for its tour of the county.
On 9th December, a dedicated group of students headed to the Mission Christmas HQ to assist in sorting the gifts by age and gender and packing them to ensure they fulfill the various requests from families in need.
Level 3 Business student, Mollie-Mae Carlisle, said: “I found the experience great – we got to get work experience hours in while also helping other people, so it was a win-win for both sides. I enjoyed specifically picking out the gifts that children would be receiving, it was personal. It shocked me how many presents people donated.”
Level 3 Business student, Ella-Louise Cross, said: “The amount of presents needed for boys ages 12-18 was shocking. Overall, it was a fun experience, finding presents and helping kids that are less fortunate.” 6,200 lost lives of WWII finally recognised thanks to Bomber Command Centre
Following the diligent work of volunteers at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC), 6,200 airmen lost in the Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and North African theatre of operations in World War II will now be recognised on one of the world’s largest archival databases.
The IBCC Losses Database has so far taken a team of volunteers more than 12 years to build and provides the world’s largest free-to-access digital archive of the airmen and women lost in the service of Bomber Command throughout its existence.
It includes the lives and deaths of more than 58,000 Bomber Command and 2,400 Second Tactical Air Force (2TAF) members supported by an ever-increasing amount of biographical information, photographs, references to other memorials, and other resources.
A cornerstone of the IBCC in Lincoln, the Losses Database is overseen by volunteer and losses archivist Dave Gilbert, who has spent 13,000 voluntary hours on the database so far.
Dave said: “Although the Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and North African losses were not under the control of Bomber Command, many of its squadrons spent time in that theatre and we receive enquiries from family members on almost a daily basis asking whether they can be included, so it makes complete sense to do so.
“For those in these additional theatres, it was a very different conflict to what Bomber Command personnel experienced. There were the added perils of diseases such as malaria and dysentery and the North African theatre was particularly hostile, with some airmen having survived a crash in the desert, then perished due to dehydration.”
The latest additions to the database, researched by the volunteers, will take the total losses documented to 67,300.
“Together we’ve built an archive that includes almost seven million individual pieces of data and growing,” said Dave. “It’s an amazing achievement of collaboration and a collective passion project for us all.
“Expanding the archive to include the additional names was a natural progression. The work is never complete as there’s always something more you can write about every one of them, so I’m quite sure I’ll be doing this for the rest of my life. It’s vitally important that we continue this work.”
Nicky van der Drift, chief executive of the IBCC, said: “No one is getting paid or being made to do this, all the volunteers are supporting this work because they think it’s important that these lives and losses are remembered and reconciled.
“It’s our mission to honour those associated with Bomber Command at the IBCC and the incredible sacrifices they made, and the Losses Database is a huge part of that.”
Once added to the database, the aim is to place the additional names around the IBCC’s Memorial Spire on new ‘walls of names’, once the funds have been raised to do so.
Carpentry and joinery businesses urged to engage with college at Employer Forum Event
Joinery, carpentry and associated trade businesses are being urged to share their needs and wants from employees at the latest Wood Trade Employer Forum Event being held at Newark College.
Open to any business or sole trader interested in apprenticeships, work experience, T-Levels or just working with the College and its learners, the forum event is a chance for both the College and employers to meet and discuss needs and desires for the future.
Carpentry Lecturer, Paul Bailes, said: “This is an excellent chance for employers in the trade to come along and look into what we offer. We have so many different routes to apprentices here at Newark College and events like these are a great way to showcase the good work we’ve done in the past, as well as what we can do to work with employers to get the best for both our learners and those that employ them.
“We want to find out what can we do together to streamline the process so that more businesses can take on an apprentice, offer work experience or take on T Level student placements.
“So why not come along and listen as we bust some myths about what is available?”
The event will also have information available regarding the advantages of a study programme, learners being able to take work experience placements.
It will also be a great way for employers to find out about the opportunities available such as T-Levels, another alternative route for employers to work with young people.
The event runs on Wednesday 18th December from 9am to 10.30am at the Newark Campus.
The event will open with a meet and greet and a chance to network with other businesses as well as staff from the College before a carousel presentation of opportunities and the College’s programme of events through the year before a chance to find out more from a team of experts.
Newark College offers a host of opportunities for businesses, find out more about how it can benefit your business here.
To find out more, call Carpentry and Joinery Lecturer Paul Bailes on 01636 680680 ext 7235 or email on pbailes@lincolncollege.ac.uk
Image credit: Electric Egg
Brother and sister join ranks of county’s on-call firefighters
Brother and sister duo Euan and Isla Sullivan have joined fire stations as new on-call firefighters with Lincolmshire fore and Rescue.
Euan always wanted to become a firefighter and made it a reality this year – providing cover at both Lincoln North and Waddington fire stations. Isla works in administration from home during the day and provides overnight cover at Waddington fire station.
She said: “The role is exciting, challenging and fun, and a great way to give back to the community.”
Now that Euan and Isla have settled into their roles, they say their favourite aspect of the job is the people – both their colleagues and the community members they meet.
Euan said: “It’s great to build close bonds with people at my station that I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”
The pair recommend the job to others, saying that it’s really rewarding and completely different from their usual office jobs.
Training to become an on-call firefighter consists of 32 days of training where you learn the skills required to be an operational firefighter. Euan and Isla both really enjoyed their training, finding it a supportive and positive experience.
The pair believe the ‘firefighter’ seeds were sown by older brother Ross, who was the first member of the family to become a firefighter. While he no longer works within the service, his involvement was enough to inspire his siblings.
“The fact that he was an on-call firefighter has obviously left its mark with both of us,” said Isla. The training is really good and prepares you so you can do the job in a professional way.
“But as everyone knows, there are aspects to the job that the training doesn’t really prepare you for – the really difficult incidents. But, for those, your colleagues are around you and they have been there and done that, so they know exactly how you’re feeling and they help enormously.”
With both Euan and Isla both still living at the family home, they often attend ‘shouts’ – jargon for call outs – together and it can be a race to get to the car first.
“If we receive the call in the middle of the night, it can often be a race in the dark from different parts of the house,” joked Euan. “But it is usually me who is out of the door first.”
