Ruby Lewin voted the winner of Spotlight! The Big North Lincolnshire Talent Show
Spotlight! The Big North Lincolnshire Talent Show took place at The Baths Hall on Saturday 20 April 2024 to a packed audience of over 500 people.
The event was opened by The Baths Hall Vocal Collective, one of Scunthorpe Theatres’ resident community singing groups, and from there, all 12 finalists took their own memorable moment in the spotlight.
Compere Darren Johnson (aka local panto star Annie Fanny) entertained the crowd with his usual wit and comedic timing and guest act, local singer Henry, gave a captivating performance which led into the show’s grand finale and announcement of the winner.
The Mayor of North Lincolnshire, Cllr Janet Longcake, led the panel of judges, who had the very difficult task of deciding the final top three acts of the evening. The standard of the 12 finalists was so high, that it was difficult to guess who would eventually be crowned the winner.
The judges’ decision saw Flyn Watson (freestyle dancer), Street Beat Elite (street dance group) and Ruby Lewin (classical singer) named as the final top three, and with a nail biting, clock ticking countdown, Darren Johnson gave a final dramatic pause before announcing that the audience had voted Ruby Lewin as the overall winner.
Ruby’s rendition of ‘Time To Say Goodbye’ had the audience enthralled and her clear and effortless voice saw her crowned the champion of Spotlight! The Big North Lincolnshire Talent Show.
Mayor of North Lincolnshire Cllr Janet Longcake says: “I was absolutely blown away with the array of talent we have right here in North Lincolnshire, and it was an honour to be part of such a special and entertaining evening.
“It was extremely difficult to separate the 12 finalists, but Ruby’s performance at the end of the show was just breathtakingly flawless and secured her the number one spot at the top. She is a very deserving winner and all the finalists delivered a show of such quality and professionalism, that ensured the talent show was a great evening for all who came.”
Sponsors of the event Jason Threadgold Funeral Directors attended The Baths Hall last week to present the deserving winner, Ruby Lewin, with a cheque for £1,000.
Jason Threadgold said: “We are all about the community, especially locally and if we can help give somebody a leg up in doing what they really want to do, we will.”
Nichola Threadgold added: “Ruby thoroughly deserves the prize; she has done extremely well and we wish her all the best in the future.”
Ruby is making plans to study at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester later this year, where she will make good use of the prize money.
Speaking at the presentation evening Ruby said: “It was just incredible, and I couldn’t believe it when they said my name! It’s been an amazing experience and opportunity. Everybody was so lovely and supportive on the day, and I would advise anybody thinking about applying in the future to just go for it!”
Image shows: Jason Threadgold, Ruby Lewin, Nichola Threadgold
‘Pint of Science’ event returns to Lincoln for fourth year
A group of 18 researchers from the University of Lincoln will share their scientific discoveries in venues across Lincoln, with the return of the global science festival, Pint of Science.
The three-day annual celebration of science will take place between 13 and 15 May, and scientists from the University will discuss a range of thought-provoking topics from ghost stories to Lincoln’s famous swan population, and the science behind gambling.
Kay Ritchie, Associate Professor in Cognitive Psychology at the University of Lincoln and Lincoln Pint of Science lead, said: “We’re really excited to bring Pint of Science back to Lincoln for our fourth year in our local venues. We’re looking forward to showcasing some University of Lincoln research in a fun and interactive way. With nine events across three nights, there’s something for everyone.”
University of Lincoln Professor Anna Wilkinson will give a unique insight into gambling addition at one of Monday night’s events, “Mind Control”. She said: “As addiction develops, the brain changes in response to ‘highs’ and develops ‘cravings’. Research has shown that people who experience gambling addiction share similar alterations in the brain as people with drug addiction.
“When hooked, a physical withdrawal occurs when individuals attempt to stop gambling. My talk will look at what happens in the brain when someone gambles and explore what it is about gambling games that make them so attractive.”
Popular community grant schemes relaunched in Boston
Boston Town Area Committee (BTAC) have relaunched their popular community grant schemes and begun accepting applications for 2024/2025 from local groups, organisations and charities who require support with projects that will improve Boston town centre.
The BTAC Small Grant Scheme, originally introduced in 2005, and the Empowering Healthy Communities Grant Scheme, introduced in 2021, were both effective in supporting key initiatives across the town centre in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping recovery efforts and building future resilience.
Combined there is nearly £27,000 of funding available, and local groups, organisations and charities can apply for up £1,000 from each scheme towards a large project or to fund it entirely. Previous successful application funding has been used for venue hire, to purchase equipment, cover insurance costs or produce publicity materials.
Organisations which received funding from schemes previously include: Boston Centenary Methodist Church, Butterfly Hospice Trust – Therapy Service, Boston & South Holland Talking Newspaper, and Boxes of Hope CIC.
Councillor Barrie Pierpoint, Chair of Boston Town Area Committee, said: “We’re really pleased that as a Committee we’re able to relaunch these two schemes for the new financial year, they’ve proved very popular previously and serve a great purpose to support local initiatives which improve our historic town centre.
“I would encourage all local groups, organisations and charities who may be interested in receiving grant funding for an upcoming project, to please check the Boston Borough Council website and see if you might be eligible.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Chris Loneragan
Contract awarded to develop next major investment on North Lincolnshire’s road network
A contract has been awarded to develop the next major investment on North Lincolnshire’s road network – a new southern junction on the M181.
Following a multi-million-pound tender process, the appointment will mean a bypass for Burringham now moves a step closer, unlocking land for new homes, reducing congestion at Berkeley Circle and cutting commuting times to and from Scunthorpe.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We have to thank our local MPs Andrew Percy and Holly Mumby-Croft for supporting us to receive this money from the Government through the levelling up agenda.
“Over the last few months we have met with ministers and officials to enable the council to start this vital piece of infrastructure that will improve connectivity for residents, whilst also serving as the bypass for Burringham.
“This is the second major investment in the motorway in recent years and its impact will be felt by drivers using Berkeley Circle, commuters coming from Bottesford, Ashby and Messingham and the people living in Burringham.”
Cllr Josh Walshe, ward council for the Burringham and Gunness ward, added: “I know that many Burringham area residents will be pleased to see the benefits that this new roundabout will bring. This project will deliver the Burringham bypass and improve connectivity for residents across the area.”
It comes after a new junction was completed further north along the same route.
Work is expected to be completed on the new southern junction by Spring 2025. North Lincolnshire Council is leading the project with cash from the Government through National Highways.
Image: Stock.adobe.com/Ondra Mystery Roman find to go on public view in Lincolnshire for the first time
An ultra-rare Roman artefact found at Norton Disney is to go on display next month.
Discovered last summer by members of the North Disney History and Archaeology Group, it’s this hollow dodecahedron, made of copper alloy and brought to light after being buried for 1,700 years.
At 8cms tall it’s one of the largest of only 33 such artefacts found in the UK, made even rarer because it’s undamaged.
But what was its purpose? No-one knows. There are no references to them in Roman texts, but it is believed they were not practical items, but associated with Roman rituals and religious practice.
Richard Parker, Secretary of the North Disney History and Archaeology Group, said: “Despite all the research that has gone into our dodecahedron, and others like it, we are no closer to finding out exactly what it is and what it might have been used for. The mystery that surrounds it has provoked quite a reaction. Our find received worldwide press attention earlier this year and many people have left us messages with varied and somewhat contradictory suggestions about its purpose.
“The dodecahedron is an extremely tactile object and, having been privileged to have handled it after its 1,700 year burial, the imagination races when thinking about what the Romans may have used it for. Magic, rituals, or religion? Perhaps we may never know.
“What we do know is the Norton Disney dodecahedron was found on the top of a hill in a former large pit of some kind. It seems it was deliberately placed there. Why would someone bury an object like this? Did it have religious or ritualistic significance? What else might we find nearby?
The Norton Disney dodecahedron will exhibited in its home county for the first time when it goes on display at Lincoln Museum from Saturday 4 May until early September 2024.
Specialists sought to design and build family friendly attraction in Scunthorpe
Suppliers are being sought by exhibition design specialists to create ‘Discover@20-21’, a free attraction to fuel children’s imaginations in the heart of Scunthorpe.
A tender has been launched to design and build the engaging installations in the former St. John’s Church – which is currently undergoing a dramatic restoration.
Funded by Government levelling-up cash, ‘Discover@20-21’ will become a free, family-friendly attraction full of hands-on experiences to inspire children in science, technology, engineering, art, and maths. It’s planned to open to visitors in April 2025.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This flagship science and technology attraction is the latest part of our plan to create a new regional attraction and different future for Scunthorpe town centre.
“We are using Government cash to bring unique, brand-new experiences into the town for families. Discover@20-21 will be packed with fun activities for children and will be free to enjoy.”
Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for safer, stronger communities (urban), said: “For the past two years we’ve held a series of hugely popular Discover events which have seen thousands of families visit the town centre to enjoy interactive activities and fascinating science experiments.
“We’re now going further, creating a permanent Discover attraction where children can enjoy hands-on experiences designed to help them think big and aim high, all whilst having fun. It will be a significant addition to Scunthorpe and I can’t wait for it to take shape.”
Image: Stock.adobe.com/kegfire
Air Ambulance invites Lincolnshire to ‘Make Time For A Cuppa’
In partnership with The Lincoln Tea & Coffee Company, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance is inviting people across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire to put the kettle on and ‘Make Time for a Cuppa’ by hosting a coffee morning or a tea party in support of the charity’s life-saving work.
The service, which gets no central funding and relies entirely on donations to keep it flying, says ‘Make Time for a Cuppa’ is a great opportunity to get together for a catch up, have a brew, eat delicious cakes and biscuits, and make a life-saving difference to people in their communities.
Susie, Founder of The Lincoln Tea & Coffee Company said: “We are proud to be supporting the work of Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance. After visiting their HQ, we can’t help but feel in awe of the helicopter, doctors, paramedics, and wider team. It’s so amazing to collaborate with them on their ‘Make Time for a Cuppa’ campaign and we are delighted to be gifting free coffee bags to everyone who signs up to make a ‘cuppa’ and host an event. We are overjoyed to be making a donation from our LNAA website bundles too, so here’s to making time for a cuppa.”
In the first three months of the year, LNAA has already been tasked to 404 missions and as summer approaches the team are gearing up to what they expect will be their busiest summer ever. But for the crew to bring the hospital to the patient, they need to raise over £13 million in 2024. Hosting a ‘Make Time for a Cuppa’ event and raising money means the doctors and paramedics can continue to be by the side of the most critically ill and injured patient’s when they are most in need.
LNAA’s Community Fundraising Manager Helen Watkinson said: “We are excited to be working with The Lincoln Tea and Coffee Company in this brand-new venture.”
“Their support will allow us to continue to keep our helicopter in the skies and our critical care cars on the road, providing emergency treatment to people living and working in Lincs & Notts. This partnership with The Lincoln Tea and Coffee Company will help us raise vital funds and further grow the awareness of our work.”
Latest financing takes to £1m funds given south and east Lincolnshire projects
Just under £325,000 more has been awarded to community projects and groups in south Lincolnshire, taking to more than £1million given to parish councils, village halls and community groups since July this year.
It’s all come through a scheme funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural Prosperity Fund, distributed by the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership. Lincolnshire Community Foundation’s GRASSroots programme has awarded the money in its latest round of decisions, awarding funds to:.
Boston Borough
Swineshead Silver Band – Improvements to the building which hosts the band, including connecting water facilities and accessible toilet facilities.
Volunteer It Yourself CIC -Renovating the Local Community Centre to include improvements to the outdoor space – including raised beds – and addition of a pergola which will host outdoor events and groups. All works will be carried out by a group of at least 15 young people who are not in education, employment or training, who will all receive accredited City and Guilds qualifications.
Kirton Parish Council – Renovation to the clock tower at Kirton’s town hall which requires substantial works to several areas including the guttering and roof tiles. Additionally, complete refurbishment of the double doors at the main entrance to the hall.
Lincoln City Foundation (Boston) – A physical activities programme for people who are living with or recovering from cancer.
East Lindsey
Desire Change CIC – Renovations to an unused building in a small paddock area into a suitable indoor space which can then be used to deliver an increased number of community health and wellbeing workshops, one to one sessions and small group opportunities.
Burgh Angling Society and Community Reserve – Installation of a sheltered area attached to the main cabin which will provide a covered space for visiting groups – such as schools and the general public – and replacements picnic benches. Additionally, new pathways and biodiversity improvements to the site.
Hensell Goat Rescue Care Farm Charity – Capital and accessibility improvements to enable more people with disabilities to access animal-assisted therapy.
Covenham Sailing Club – The purchase, service and maintenance of several pieces of water equipment such as safety boats, wetsuits and buoyancy aids to expand access, with a particular focus on young people facing disadvantage accessing sailing.
Sutton On Sea Residents’ Association – Funding towards the cost of activities and facilities for the Furlongs Festival on 21st August 2024.
Hogsthorpe Parish Council – Improvements to the local playing fields, including new picnic tables. The installation of a rubberised surface and picnic tables within the picnic area of the playing field which is adjacent to the children’s playpark. This is part of the ongoing refurbishment of the playing fields.
Hemingby Village Hall – Improvements to the exterior of the village hall, as part of a wider total refurbishment to the facility.
Lincoln City Foundation (Louth, Skegness, Mablethorpe) – Funding for the Fighting Fit programme which is a physical activity programme designed to support people living with or recovering from cancer.
Thimbleby Village Hall – To be used as part of a project re-organising the hall layout, bringing toilet facilities into the hall and improving kitchen facilities.
East Coast Pride (Skegness) – To support Skegness’ first ever Gay Pride event, including a programme of events which will celebrate the local LGBT+ community and provide a boost to the local economy at the end of the season.
Chapel St Leonards Parish Council – To provide overhead netting to the netball/volleyball/football hard court area on the play park, as well as new equipment.
South Holland
Pinchbeck Parish Council – Improvement works including a renovation of the Community Hub’s conservatory, art room and kitchen, along with the development and maintenance of a website for the Hub, This is targeted at increasing awareness of the Hub’s Services and increasing the range of activities available for local people.
Gedney Dyke Village Hall – Equipment to support the Village Hall’s rapidly expanding Gardening Club and ongoing project to develop biodiversity at the Hall. The funding will also go towards a shed to store the new equipment safely and securely.
Flinders Founders (Donington) – A renovation of the BMX track at the Teen Park which will see overgrown vegetation cleared away from the track and a new limestone surface installed.
Long Sutton Parish Council – New equipment, new signage, information boards and picnic benches for the nature reserve, materials needed to provide sensory garden areas and a blue plaque for Alfred Piccaver – a famous opera singer who was born in the town.
Tydd St Mary Parish Council – Further improvements to the Glebe Field (building upon significant improvements already funded through UKSPF), including making the Glebe Field area more user friendly and accessible by upgrading car parking, installing a natural garden and providing a covered picnic/seating area.
Friends of Spalding Railway Station – Improving the gateway to the town through wall art installations by high quality artists, new railway themed planters and hanging infrastructure along with new plants, shrubs, trees and benches to the town’s railway station.
Spalding Rugby Club -New toilets and community changing rooms suitable for a wide range of sports, abilities and needs.
Almost £325,000 awarded to South & East Lincolnshire parish councils, village halls and community groups
Just under £325,000 has been awarded to community projects and groups via a scheme which has been funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural Prosperity Fund, distributed by the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership.
Lincolnshire Community Foundation’s GRASSroots programme, which has previously supported several projects including Willoughby Road Allotments in Boston, Alford Corn Exchange in East Lindsey and Boxes of Hope in South Holland, has awarded the money in its latest round of decisions.
This brings the total awarded since July to more than £1million to parish councils, village halls and community groups.
The successful projects are:
Boston Borough:
Swineshead Silver Band – Improvements to the building which hosts the band, including connecting water facilities and accessible toilet facilities.
Volunteer It Yourself CIC – Renovating the Local Community Centre to include improvements to the outdoor space – including raised beds – and addition of a pergola which will host outdoor events and groups. All works will be carried out by a group of at least 15 young people who are not in education, employment or training, who will all receive accredited City and Guilds qualifications.
Kirton Parish Council – Renovation to the clock tower at Kirton’s town hall which requires substantial works to several areas including the guttering and roof tiles. Additionally, complete refurbishment of the double doors at the main entrance to the hall.
Lincoln City Foundation (Boston) – A physical activities programme for people who are living with or recovering from cancer.
East Lindsey:
Desire Change CIC – Renovations to an unused building in a small paddock area into a suitable indoor space which can then be used to deliver an increased number of community health and wellbeing workshops, one to one sessions and small group opportunities.
Burgh Angling Society and Community Reserve – Installation of a sheltered area attached to the main cabin which will provide a covered space for visiting groups – such as schools and the general public – and replacement picnic benches. Additionally, new pathways and biodiversity improvements to the site.
Hensell Goat Rescue Care Farm Charity – Capital and accessibility improvements to enable more people with disabilities to access animal-assisted therapy.
Covenham Sailing Club – The purchase, service and maintenance of several pieces of water equipment such as safety boats, wetsuits and buoyancy aids to expand access, with a particular focus on young people facing disadvantage accessing sailing.
Sutton On Sea Residents’ Association – Funding towards the cost of activities and facilities for the Furlongs Festival on 21st August 2024.
Hogsthorpe Parish Council – Improvements to the local playing fields, including new picnic tables. The installation of a rubberised surface and picnic tables within the picnic area of the playing field which is adjacent to the children’s playpark. This is part of the ongoing refurbishment of the playing fields.
Hemingby Village Hall – Improvements to the exterior of the village hall, as part of a wider total refurbishment to the facility.
Lincoln City Foundation (Louth, Skegness, Mablethorpe) – Funding for the Fighting Fit programme which is a physical activity programme designed to support people living with or recovering from cancer.
Thimbleby Village Hall – To be used as part of a project re-organising the hall layout, bringing toilet facilities into the hall and improving kitchen facilities.
East Coast Pride (Skegness) – To support Skegness’ first ever Gay Pride event, including a programme of events which will celebrate the local LGBT+ community and provide a boost to the local economy at the end of the season.
Chapel St Leonards Parish Council – To provide overhead netting to the netball/volleyball/football hard court area on the play park, as well as new equipment.
South Holland:
Pinchbeck Parish Council – Improvement works including a renovation of the Community Hub’s conservatory, art room and kitchen, along with the development and maintenance of a website for the Hub. This is targeted at increasing awareness of the Hub’s Services and increasing the range of activities available for local people.
Gedney Dyke Village Hall – Equipment to support the Village Hall’s rapidly expanding Gardening Club and ongoing project to develop biodiversity at the Hall. The funding will also go towards a shed to store the new equipment safely and securely.
Flinders Founders (Donington) – A renovation of the BMX track at the Teen Park which will see overgrown vegetation cleared away from the track and a new limestone surface installed.
Long Sutton Parish Council – New equipment, new signage, information boards and picnic benches for the nature reserve, materials needed to provide sensory garden areas and a blue plaque for Alfred Piccaver – a famous opera singer who was born in the town.
Tydd St Mary Parish Council – Further improvements to the Glebe Field (building upon significant improvements already funded through UKSPF), including making the Glebe Field area more user friendly and accessible by upgrading car parking, installing a natural garden and providing a covered picnic/seating area.
Friends of Spalding Railway Station – Improving the gateway to the town through wall art installations by high quality artists, new railway themed planters and hanging infrastructure along with new plants, shrubs, trees and benches to the town’s railway station.
Spalding Rugby Club – New toilets and community changing rooms suitable for a wide range of sports, abilities and needs.
Some grants are subject to conditions of award, which may affect delivery.
In a joint statement, Leader of Boston Borough Council, Councillor Anne Dorrian, East Lindsey Councillors Steve Kirk, portfolio holder for The Coastal Economy, and Adam Grist, portfolio holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy and Councillor Paul Redgate, portfolio holder for Finance, Commercialisation, Levelling Up and UK Shared Prosperity Funding at South Holland District Council, said: “This round of funding shows that we are able to reach so many different areas of the sub-region through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
“Within each district we have been able to award significant funding to several projects, village halls and Parish Councils which all share the same goal – supporting their local community.
“We are all excited to see not only the impact this funding has on the great work being carried out by the recipients but also the people and businesses of the sub-region who will certainly benefit through visitor economy centric projects as well as those with a focus on bringing people together for a variety of different reasons.”
Image: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG
Youngsters urged to give market trading a go at Gainsborough event this summer
Entrepreneurs aged 16 to 30 are invited to participate in a Young Traders Market set to take place in Gainsborough on 8 June this year.
Organised by West Lindsey District Council, the event is part of a national campaign run by the National Market Traders Federation, aimed at providing a platform for young traders to showcase their goods in a traditional market setting.
Participants in the event will have the opportunity to ‘Trade for a Tenner’ with stalls available at a discounted rate of just £10. Those taking part will also automatically be entered into the National Young Traders’ Competition, run by the NMTF. The judging panel, comprised of members from the business community and the council, will assess the entrants.
Amanda Bouttell, the council’s Senior Project & Growth Officer, Employment & Skills expressed enthusiasm for the event. She said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to start or grow their own business and to develop key skills.
“Trading from a market stall is a cost-effective way of raising your profile, engaging directly with new customers, and learning from other traders. We really want to support the next generation of young entrepreneurs, and this is a fantastic way to have a go!”
