Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) have given a big thank you to everyone who donned their running shoes during April to take part in one of three long distance running events and collectively raised a staggering £49,600 to date.
This amazing accomplishment started with the London Landmarks Half-Marathon on 7 April. 15 runners competed in the race and raised £7,518 for LNAA.
The Lincoln 10k on 14 April saw 288 people, including 250 runners from the University of Lincoln, join forces to run the picturesque route around some of Lincoln’s most iconic landmarks in aid of LNAA’s life-saving work. Together they raised £11,366.
And finally on 21 April, 11 runners laced up their trainers and competed in the London Marathon, raising an incredible £30,000.
LNAA Events Manager Georgia Watson said: “What can we say but thank you to everyone who took part in one of these three challenge events and raising such an unbelievable amount of money. The support from every one of our runners has funded 12 potentially life-saving missions.”
Kate Ray, one of the London Marathon Runners, said: “It was absolutely incredible atmosphere and an amazing day to share with many doing something amazing to help so many good causes. I felt so privileged to run in aid of a very special charity – one that’s there to help on the worst day of someone’s life.”
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance receives no direct Government funding and relies on the generosity of people, organisations and communities in Lincs & Notts to fund the £13million needed this year to keep the iconic helicopter and two critical care cars operational.
Participating in one of LNAA’s challenge events is one way to get involved, push yourself to the limits and raise vital funds. More details: ambucopter.org.uk/find-an-event/challenge-events/
With wellness tourism forecast to grow by 16.6% annually and 94% of travellers incorporating self-care into their travels,* Lincolnshire’s Laceby Manor Golf and Spa Resort is enhancing its position to deliver UK wellness staycations with a new development of luxury lodge properties.
Set within 150 acres of grass and woodland, the sustainability-conscious resort is nestled on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and has been completely transformed over the past decade, thanks to continual investment in the golf course and club house, introduction of an award-winning spa and the addition of two restaurants, a fully-equipped gym and multiple on-site accommodation types.
Its newest restaurant, the adults-only Oak Room Restaurant, sits within the Spa gardens with beautiful views over the golf course and additional outdoor seating for al fresco dining in the summer. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner with seasonal menus, a well-stocked wine wall and premium cocktails.
The Oak Room Pizzeria is a more casual dining option, open to adults and well-behaved children aged 11 and over. Freshly-fired sourdough pizzas are served by the inviting log burner or al fresco in the summer. On-site guests can order from the Oak Room Pizzeria to collect for in-lodge dining.
For those looking for an investment property, a weekend escape or a retirement retreat, the development of a new luxury lodge park is now underway with one and two-bedroomed lodges available for sale. Each fully furnished accommodation is bought with everything included, from TVs and appliances to bedding, linen and furniture.
With a 12-month season, lodge owners have the freedom to arrive any time, 365 days a year, or sublet using the fully managed rental service, backed by Landal Greenparks. Each lodge owner also receives two golf and gym memberships with member access included to the award-winning spa.
Laceby Manor Golf and Spa Resort will be showcasing a lodge at this year’s Lincolnshire Show on 19 & 20 June – stand no. 6-17.
Find out more at lacebymanor.co.uk/own-a-lodge*Global Wellness Institute and Forbes
Humberside Engineering Training Association is “proud of another significant achievement” as it announces record-high qualification achievement rates for its Level 3 Apprenticeship Programmes.
Established in 1967 by employers, for employers, the not-for-profit organisation has reached an all-time high in its success metrics but has also secured a prestigious position among the top 10 in the UK for Engineering & Engineering Construction training.
The latest figures reveal that HETA’s achievement rates have soared, standing an impressive 20% above the national average. This remarkable feat underscores the organisation’s dedication to providing quality training, bridging crucial skills gaps, and facilitating sustainable employment opportunities for young individuals entering the industry.
Iain Elliott, CEO of HETA, expressed his immense pride in the accomplishments of the HETA team, stating: “I am incredibly proud of our team’s hard work and dedication, which has culminated in these outstanding achievement rates. At HETA, we are deeply committed to equipping our learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in Industry.”
Going on to emphasise HETA’s ongoing mission to address the skills gap prevalent in the industry and to empower young people with the tools they need to secure meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities, he added: “Our focus on delivering quality training not only benefits the individuals we train but also contributes to the overall strength and resilience of the industries we serve.”
HETA remains committed to enhancing its curriculum to effectively address the evolving needs of the region. Recognising the importance of decarbonisation and the advancements of Industry 4.0, HETA continues to focus on developing learning modules that equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to gain an understanding about these areas.
By integrating decarbonisation strategies and Industry 4.0 principles into its curriculum, HETA ensures that its apprentices are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the workforce while also fostering sustainability and innovation within the region’s industries.
HETA’s success comes at a crucial time when industries across the UK are facing significant challenges in recruiting skilled workers. By consistently surpassing national averages and ranking among the top institutions for Engineering & Engineering Construction training, HETA continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the workforce of the future.
As HETA celebrates these record achievements, the organisation remains steadfast in its commitment to providing innovative training solutions and fostering a skilled workforce capable of driving economic growth and prosperity in the Yorkshire and Humberside region and beyond.
Image: Stock.adobe.com/pressmaster
QE College is known globally for its consistently high-ranking league table positions, placing 2nd nationally for A Level Results in the Sunday Times Parent Power 2023, with 98.8% A*-B grades achieved.
One of two senior schools for Years 10-13 at QE, the College offers an academic pathway tailored towards aspirational careers and competitive next steps where students get hands-on experience in their passions, compete nationally in competitions, undergo research projects, and become independent learners who can communicate their ideas with confidence.
Undertaking QE’s academic pathway supports students to develop key skills and knowledge within specific fields of interest. Students choose from an extensive range of academic pursuits within the Stretch and Challenge programme including psychology, law, debate, medicine and veterinary, linguistics, esports, journalism, young leaders, economics, tycoon in schools and the student investor challenge.
Academic pathway students receive an assigned UCAS Mentor along with access to a team of expert career advisors who assist them with university applications, interview preparation and technique, entrance exams, finding work experience, writing personal statements and choosing the right course. Those applying for competitive university places receive a high level of extra support within the Early Applicant Programme and can attend guest speaker lectures on topics such as applying to and studying at Oxbridge.
QE recognises that the university market can be highly competitive and so encourage students to set themselves apart from their peers by participating in an extra-curricular offering of over 100 activities. Many students also undertake an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) where they research, write and present on a topic of interest to them.
QE offers a broad itinerary of workshops and lectures on life skills from building effective study habits and coping with exam stress to cooking and managing finances at university. There are also seminars and workshops delivered by alumni, professionals, entrepreneurs and changemakers.
One of the most effective initiatives is The QE Study Toolkit which prepares students for lifelong learning through teaching the most effective methods for study and revision.
QE College is a diverse and engaging school for ambitious academics. For more information on QE’s Academic Pathway, visit www.qe.org or email admissions@qe.org for a private tour.
The 6th Gainsborough Sea Scout Group recently opened an Explorer Unit (boys and girls aged 14 to 17). The reason for opening it was that some of the Scouts (boys and girls aged 10 to 14) wanted to move to the next section but the nearest Explorer Unit was difficult to get to, so they started their own unit.
In the short time they have been open, some of the activities they have done are archery, baking, camping, cooking, crate stacking, kayaking, and paintball. Activities they have planned for the next few months include a narrowboat camp, hikes in the Peak District and a triathlon.
When asked what they liked about Explorers, the young people said: “Sleeping in hammocks, meeting a diverse range of people, being involved in planning the programme and helping out with some of the younger sections.”
Jonathan Swatton, lead volunteer for the Scout Group, said: “The young people will learn skills such as teamwork, leadership, independence, resilience, responsibility, and self-confidence. They will also have a tremendous amount of fun and will be able to do activities they have not done before.” In a recent survey, 88% of Scouts said they tried activities in Scouts that they haven’t tried before.
The Unit, which meets on every other Monday at their headquarters in Love Lane, is looking for more volunteers. In a recent survey, 85% of people who volunteered said they had flexibility around their volunteering commitment and the same proportion would recommend their charity as a great place to volunteer.
For further information about the Unit, please contact Christopher.wright@gainsboroughscouts.org.uk
Work will start next week on a major transformation of Grantham Market Place into an accessible, public open space fit for the 21st Century.
The improvements will drive footfall in Grantham town centre and the market area – and create a multi-use, social space for local people and visitors in the heart of Grantham.
The roadworks will mean temporary changes to through routes for vehicles.
This includes closure of Market Place, Narrow Westgate and Conduit Lane, 24 hours a day for the duration of the work which begins on Tuesday, 7 May, and is expected to take 22 weeks.
Drivers will be asked to follow a diversion via High Street / A52 Wharf Road / Sankt Augustin Way / Barrowby Road / A607 / Brownlow Street / Watergate and vice versa. Union Street and Conduit Lane will remain open up to Greyfriars and the taxi rank.
A spokesperson for South Kesteven District Council said: “The Market Place improvement builds on current projects to improve shop fronts to enhance the appeal of the town centre, and SKDC’s work to encourage more affordable housing in the town centre through upper-floor conversions.
“The Council’s roles and responsibilities include showcasing everything that is great about our towns and attracting investment.
“The newly agreed Corporate Plan outlines an ambition to support a dynamic and growing local economy to the benefit of all our communities, and to make South Kesteven an attractive place to visit, work, invest, study and do business in.”
The £4.19 million of investment, secured from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund through a bid by South Kesteven District Council, will transform both the Market Place and the Conduit, where refurbished public toilets will be reopened. A second phase will improve the town approach from the railway station to create a pedestrian-led environment, with this work expected to start in November.
The Future High Streets Fund is for designated work and can only be used on this project. While work is under way, the historic street market will occupy more of Narrow Westgate.
Image credit: Google maps
Two high-tech agricultural businesses in Lincolnshire have been offered funding from a national £7.5 million pot to support innovation and growth.
An automated blueberry harvesting project led by Eyre Trailers in Coningsby, in partnership with the University of Lincoln, and a daffodil harvesting scheme at C Wright and Son in Gedney have each been offered around £300,000 as a share of £1.84m awarded to 12 projects across the east of England.
The money has come from the new Launchpads programme managed by Innovate UK which offers small and medium enterprises (SMEs) grants from £25,000 to £300,000 for R&D and innovation projects that focus on agrifood.
The Eastern England Launchpad is being supported by the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils.
Ten other successful projects across the area include novel biological defences against aphids, enhancing the fibre content of food and drink products, enhancements in crop breeding, and creating new types of plant-based food packaging.
The objective of the Eyre Trailers automated blueberry harvesting project, which stands to secure £299,693, is to develop and demonstrate a fully automatic machine for harvesting blueberries, one of the UK’s most important soft fruit crops.
The proposed machine will be fully automatic and will feature new berry removal and bush gripper systems. It will be designed to remove berries from the bush by the use of innovative shaking systems and should be available for widescale deployment by UK growers next year.
Blueberries are now the second largest soft fruit sold in the UK, with the industry expanding to meet demand, but still only has a 7% share of the market.
“We’re very privileged to have been offered the grant and to be working with the University of Lincoln, and we’re looking forward to bringing the project to fruition,” said Bob Eyre from Eyre Trailers. “Without this grant it would be difficult to bring this product to market, so we’re really grateful.
“Blueberry harvesting is very labour-intensive as growers are completely reliant on hand-picking. Finding the workers to do it is difficult and expensive, so everybody is looking to reduce the labour costs and make the job more viable. Currently lots of fruit is left unpicked because the growers can’t find the labour for the harvest.
“By the end of the project we aim to be manufacturing a machine that’s fit for purpose and that satisfies the blueberry growers. It will be quite a big growth area for us and it could really rejuvenate our business.”
The daffodil harvesting project, which has been offered £299,985, is being led by Autopickr in Cambridge with Lincolnshire grower C Wright & Son as a partner.
Horticulture has traditionally offered growers high incomes from small areas of land, but the total land area used for horticulture has declined by 15% since 2020.
To combat shortages of labour and high labour costs the project will develop a multi-functional robotic platform capable of horticultural tasks that cannot be automated using simple machines like tractors or harvesters.
An asparagus harvester has already been developed and will launch in the next three years, and growers have highlighted the fact that flower production, specifically daffodils, is another promising area in which to develop robotic capabilities.
The daffodil picker will feature a sophisticated robotic arm, a platform weighing less than 45kg, and an artificial vision system to recognise picked flowers for the arm to collect and transport.
Success in this project will lower labour costs for English growers and reduce barriers to the growth of daffodil production, which is a lucrative export market for growers.
“We are very pleased to have received funding for this project,” said Adam Cunnington from C Wright & Son. “Labour is getting hard to come by and any method of automating our harvest has to be the way forward. We have every faith in the project delivering automation to a much needed harvest operation.”
As we get older, some people find that their central vision unfortunately deteriorates markedly, with blurriness and shadowing. These effects cause difficulties in everyday life, whether it’s watching TV, or reading – even if reading glasses are used.
Some sufferers find too that it is often impossible for them to recognise faces: this can make socialising very difficult.
At the back of the eye there is an area called the macula which has to be in good health for us to see clearly in the centre of our vision. That area can deteriorate with advancing age, causing the problem of poor central vision. That’s why the problem is called Age-related Macular Degeneration, or AMD.
Recent scientific research has found that compounds called carotenoids have a great influence on the macula and on the brain as well. There are more than 700 carotenoids in nature. They are plant pigments found in brightly coloured fruits and in green leafly vegetables.
Three carotenoids are present in the macula in the eye: Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Meso-Zeaxanthin. Low levels increase the risk of developing AMD.
An impression of how Dry AMD can affect central vision, and gradually become more disabling.
Until recently, it is has been difficult to assess whether a person’s levels of carotenoids are adequate to protect the health of their eyes. New research has come up with a simple non-invasive way of assessing carotenoid levels: the ‘LifeMeter’ measuring device is the product of years of research.
It works by shining special light onto a forefinger and measuring the reflected light. The person being tested just has to put the tip of a forefinger into the reading device. After a few minutes, the test is complete.
The LifeMeter device being used to measure a patient’s carotenoid levels. The patient just puts a forefinger into the LifeMeter measuring instrument. There are no needles, and nothing to feel. The measurements are made by shining special lighting onto the finger.
If the person’s carotenoid levels are lower than recommended for continued eye health, food supplement tablets containing suitable carotenoids will be prescribed. Improvements in levels soon occur, and can be confirmed by further testing after about a month.
Carotenoid levels are not just important for eye health: they are now thought to influence brain health, and low levels may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
On Friday, 21 June, O’Brien’s Optician in Brigg is holding a by-appointment free clinic for evaluating patients’ carotenoid levels.
If you’d like to have your carotenoid levels measured, you’re invited to call 01652 653595 or 01652 649024 for your free-of-cost appointment.
Boston Borough Council have been successful in purchasing the former B&M site at the heart of the proposed Rosegarth Square development.
This strategic move empowers the Council to move forward with development proposals and bring forward the vision for the area utilising £14.8 million of Levelling Up funding.
The B&M store ceased operating a number of years ago and since then, the site has been earmarked for redevelopment. The area is an important part of the Council’s overall aspirations for the town centre regeneration.
Leader of Boston Borough Council, Cllr Anne Dorrian, said: “Improving the town centre is one of our top priorities and we are determined to push ahead to ensure our vision becomes a reality.
“Developing this large, derelict building is yet another piece in that transformation jigsaw. I am really pleased that we have been able to utilise government grant funding to purchase the former B&M site, and we have exciting ideas to ensure that the site makes a positive contribution to our town.”
Image – Boston, Lincolnshire – Stock.adobe.com/Tony
Almost 90 churches and chapels in West Lindsey throw open their doors from May 11th for the area’s Churches Festival, which is now in its 27th year.
The Festival offers visitors buildings located across the stunning landscape of the district, just north of Lincoln and encompassing Gainsborough, Caistor and Market Rasen.
The first weekend (11-12 May) will see 41 churches take part in the east of the district, with 47 churches opening for the second weekend (18-19 May) to the west.
Each church offers a unique experience, from stunning architecture; stained glass and fascinating wood carvings to historic monuments, graveyards full of stories and traditional church organs (some of which the public are welcome to play).
Many buildings are also located in the Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
And alongside all that heritage and landscape is the welcome church volunteers bring to the event, including their knowledge of local history, delicious homemade cakes and lunches, plant and book sales, flower displays, exhibitions and bell ringing.
Beth Sliwinski from Sheffield, a regular visitor to the event, explains why she travels to the event from Yorkshire said: “If ever a reason is needed to visit beautiful Lincolnshire, this is it. Every church provides its own treats – interesting architecture, friendly volunteers, delicious refreshments, picturesque churchyards – even the drives from one church to the next are a pleasure.”
Long-time visitor Lexie Brookes-Ashmore, from Caistor, says she enjoys the graveyards as well as the churches: “I have been visiting the churches festival since 2012, so this will be my 12th year! My best friend and I cancel all other plans for the festival (plus the September one) and always end the day with a picnic. We love the architecture and history as well as the many interesting graves.”
Highlights from this year’s Festival include:
Stepping back in time to the year 875, when Bishop Aelfnoth built his church at Stow, to serve as Mother Church for his Lincolnshire Diocese. St Mary’s, Stow is a treasure trove of beautiful artefacts and architecture. Other fine churches with Saxon origins can be found at Greetwell and Knaith.
Going forward to the Norman period there are the ironstone churches of Caistor, Nettleton, Market Rasen as well as Middle Rasen with its fine Norman Archway.
Two of the festival’s medieval ‘little gems’ not to be missed are St Oswald’s at Rand, on a deserted medieval village, and St Edith’s at Coates by Stow, with its 11th century rood loft and screen.
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For those looking for an investment property, a weekend escape or a retirement retreat, the development of a new luxury lodge park is now underway with one and two-bedroomed lodges available for sale. Each fully furnished accommodation is bought with everything included, from TVs and appliances to bedding, linen and furniture.
With a 12-month season, lodge owners have the freedom to arrive any time, 365 days a year, or sublet using the fully managed rental service, backed by Landal Greenparks. Each lodge owner also receives two golf and gym memberships with member access included to the award-winning spa.
Laceby Manor Golf and Spa Resort will be showcasing a lodge at this year’s Lincolnshire Show on 19 & 20 June – stand no. 6-17.
Find out more at lacebymanor.co.uk/own-a-lodge
*Global Wellness Institute and Forbes 
For those looking for an investment property, a weekend escape or a retirement retreat, the development of a new luxury lodge park is now underway with one and two-bedroomed lodges available for sale. Each fully furnished accommodation is bought with everything included, from TVs and appliances to bedding, linen and furniture.
With a 12-month season, lodge owners have the freedom to arrive any time, 365 days a year, or sublet using the fully managed rental service, backed by Landal Greenparks. Each lodge owner also receives two golf and gym memberships with member access included to the award-winning spa.
Laceby Manor Golf and Spa Resort will be showcasing a lodge at this year’s Lincolnshire Show on 19 & 20 June – stand no. 6-17.
Find out more at lacebymanor.co.uk/own-a-lodge
*Global Wellness Institute and Forbes 
