New mini-orchards to be planted across South Kesteven
New mini-orchards will be planted thanks to a Coronation Living Heritage grant awarded to South Kesteven District Council.
The Council is hoping to plant up to 31 new orchards next winter using money from a fund created to celebrate the King’s Coronation.
Parish councils and community groups can apply for up to £1,500 to plant at least five fruit trees on publicly accessible sites, plus protective spirals and canes, information signage and protective fencing if required.
Parent/teacher associations with public accessible space can also apply, and planting could be particularly popular for schools with an Eco Schools Green Flag Award.
Cllrs Patsy Ellis and Rhys Baker, who share SKDC Cabinet responsibilities for Environment and Waste, said: “It’s great news, and we are looking forward to seeing these new orchards in flower all over the district as a living reminder of the accession of King Charles lll.
“Orchards deliver on so many counts, from the organic fruit they provide to engaging the community, not to mention helping us to withstand climate change, help carbon sequestration and filtering of pollution.”
The choice of fruit trees is down to local preferences, but successful applicants will need to outline plans for aftercare of the orchard to ensure it is maintained permanently.
There are two funding rounds for groups and organisations to bid into with closing dates of 28th June and 27th September 2024. Planting is expected to start in November, with all projects to be finished, complete with dedication services, by the end of March 2025.
Image: Stock.adobe.com/gpointstudio
Steve McQueen’s Great Escape motorbike to be on show at the IBCC
Steve McQueen’s iconic motorbike from ‘The Great Escape’ is being loaned to the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln for the 80th anniversary of the escape attempt on which the film is based.
The 1963 film recounts the daring escape attempt of 76 allied airmen POWs from the German prison camp Stalag Luft III on 24 March 1944. All but three of the escapees were recaptured and 50 of the airmen were summarily executed. Of these, 28 were members of Bomber Command and are remembered on the IBCC’s Memorial walls.
To pay tribute to those men, on Sunday 19 May the IBCC is hosting its annual InSpire Ride2024, a charity fundraising event that welcomes hundreds of bikers every year.
One of the most iconic scenes in the ‘The Great Escape’ – and in cinema as a whole – is Steve McQeen jumping a 12ft high wall of barbed wire on a Triumph TR6 650 Special. This year, the IBCC has announced the same Triumph used in this scene has been loaned to InSpire Ride2024 to commemorate the escape’s 80th anniversary.
Nicky van der Drift, chief executive of the IBCC, said: “The Great Escape film is a classic piece of cinema that brings to life and has immortalised the incredible feat of bravery, hardship, and determination in the face of adversity, that the POWs of Stalag Luft III endured.
“For the escape’s 80th anniversary, we’re thrilled to have Steve McQueen’s motorbike on display for our visitors to come and take photos with. However, we’ll also have plenty else on the day to remember, recognise, and reconcile the sacrifice of those who lost their lives.
“All proceeds from InSpire Ride2024 will go directly back into funding the IBCC’s heritage preservation, education and outreach programmes, and we’re grateful for your support.”
To find out more about the InSpire Ride2024, visit its website here: https://internationalbcc.co.uk/about-ibcc/news/events/inspireride2024-the-great-escape-at-80/
Refurbished Market Rasen building returns to its former glory
A project to preserve the historic character of one of Market Rasen’s flagship buildings is now complete.
Specialist contractors have carried out repairs to the exterior of the building at 9-10 Market Place in the town centre. It is the second major building to benefit from funding from the Market Rasen Historic Building Grant Scheme. The building at 24 Market Place was the first major project which was complete in autumn 2023.
West Lindsey District Council is working in partnership with a local steering group, which is made up of local businesses, councils, and conservationists on the pilot project, which aims to unlock the potential of the town’s heritage assets.
The grant scheme, funded by West Lindsey District Council, is supporting the regeneration of significant buildings in the centre of Market Rasen.
The former bank at 9-10 Market Place has had a number of repairs made to it including repairing and decoration to the windows, installation of new doors and fan lights and repairs and redecoration of the render. Now completed, the building makes a significant contribution to the historic diversity of the marketplace.
Cllr Stephen Bunney, ward member for Market Rasen, has welcomed the completion of the work. He said: “We have been eagerly watching the work take place on the building and I am delighted to see the scaffolding has now been removed to highlight this historic building, refurbished and back to its former glory.
“These works not only give a visual boost to the area in terms of visual appeal, they also help conserve part of the town’s rich heritage and ensure they are an attractive proposition to be used in our wonderful town centre.”
The grant helps to fund work to improve and conserve historic buildings, using traditional materials and techniques in keeping with the heritage of the area. This includes work such as repairing timber windows and shopfronts, removing unsightly paintwork, or repairing or renewing damaged render. It also can include new, traditional hand painted signage, which is more in-keeping with the properties.
Owners of the building, 8888 Capital Group Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be able to deliver this beautiful project, with significant support from both West Lindsey District Council, and Market Rasen Town Council.
“We would like to give a special mention to Cllr Stephen Bunney who has been tireless with his support, introductions, and words of wisdom! We could not be happier, breathing life right back into the heart of Market Rasen Town Centre with nine fabulous new high-spec apartments and a really promising, community-serving, long-term tenant on the ground floor to boot!”
Local heritage representative Neil Taylor said it was great to see the completion of the second building being developed as part of this scheme.
He said: “Local people will be happy to see this, and other buildings being transformed, vastly improving the visual appearance and improving the heritage of our much-loved town.”
The project will now commence work on the former bank at 7 Market Place in the spring, followed by 5-6 Market Place.
Image courtesy of West Lindsey District Council
Community-led health and wellbeing projects receive funding support in West Lindsey
Eleven innovative community-led health and wellbeing projects have received funding support from West Lindsey District Council.
Projects include supporting animal assisted learning, a new tent for scouts, a befriending service and drama ‘drop-in sessions’ raising awareness of mental health and support available.
The Council supported the projects through its Community Grant Scheme.
Councillor Lesley Rollings, Chair of the Prosperous Communities Committee, said: “There are so many great innovative community-led projects being delivered that reach residents across the district, including those facing particular disadvantage or marginalisation.
“In order to improve and contribute to the positive health and wellbeing of all of our residents, we need to build on community knowledge and expertise and support community leadership.
“Community-led action on health and well-being is a priority within the Lincolnshire District Council’s Health and Well-Being Strategy. Our grants programme is crucial to help communities deliver projects that are needed in their local areas, and I wish them every success.”
The following are some of the grants West Lindsey District Council are currently supporting through the Community Grant Scheme:
- Stepping Stone Theatre for Mental Health – Drama drop-in and story-telling
- GoGro CIC – Food4Thought project Gainsborough
- Moments of Light Ltd (GLINT) – Provision of all-weather facilities
- Nettleham Scout Group – New tent
- LGBTQ+ Village CIC (Think 2 Speak) – Empower and protect West Lindsey’s LGBTQ+ Young People
- Happy Hooves – Happy Hooves on the Road
- The Network CIO – West Lindsey Youth Outreach
- Lincoln and Lindsey Blind Society – By My Side
- Wellness Network CIC – The Mind & Body Programme – New Parents
- Age UK Lindsey – Befriending project
Vote for your favourite track to be performed live at Classic Ibiza
Ever wondered what your favourite house tune would sound like being performed live by a 32-piece orchestra and incredible vocalists? Well, here’s your chance to find out! You can now join Classic Ibiza’s 55,000 social media followers here to vote for the track you most want the Urban Soul Orchestra to play at Burghley House on Saturday 27 July.
The five most-popular tracks will be added to this summer’s orchestral set of over 40 dance anthems.
Classic Ibiza’s Lisa Ward says: “Choosing the tracks to be reinvented and performed live by Stephen Hussey’s Urban Soul Orchestra every summer is one of the highlights of organising Classic Ibiza. We just love sharing the fun with our amazing Burghley audience.”
From the suggestions posted on Classic Ibiza’s social channels, a shortlist of 10 tracks will be published on Good Friday (29 March), with a final round of audience voting open until Easter Monday (31 March). The five winning tracks will then be announced on Monday 8 April.
Last year’s poll saw over 5,000 votes being cast, with these five tracks being added to the set: Silence (Delerium, Tiësto, Sarah McLachlan), King of My Castle (Wamdue Project, Roy Malone), Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) (C&C Music Factory), On a Ragga Tip (SL2) and Need You (100%) (Duke Dumont, A*M*E).
Lisa Ward adds: “We’re especially looking for big tunes that will suit that special orchestral treatment. Think strings, horns, keys and of course infectious beats and vocals. And don’t worry, Insomnia and Born Slippy are pretty much a permanent fixture of our set every year, so please don’t waste your vote!”
The general rule at Classic Ibiza is that the BPM goes up as the sun goes down. The evening starts at 5.30pm with a vibe straight from one of Ibiza’s iconic beachside bars, before building to a magical alfresco nightclub by the time the concert finishes at 11pm.
Headlining the event is the Urban Soul Orchestra, known for working alongside dance music greats like Groove Armada, Robert Miles and Nightmares On Wax. They’ll be delving into house music’s rich catalogue with DJ Goldierocks, reinventing the most iconic tracks from the last 30 years.
Along the way, highlights include a DJ set by former Pacha Ibiza resident Jose Luis and an awe-inspiring laser and light show.
Classic Ibiza at Burghley House is proud to be supporting East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). Demand for tickets is strong again this year, with concert already at over 50% capacity. Visit classicibiza.co.uk for tickets and more information.
Image credit: David Evans Photography
North East Lincolnshire plans staff move to support Grimsby town centre businesses
North East Lincolnshire Council will this year see the vast majority of its staff and partners brought together to work in and support Grimsby town centre through its Doughty Road depot project.
When the refurbishment of Doughty Road is complete in late summer this year, 300 council and partner staff will be working from the completely refurbished major works depot.
It sits very close to the town centre and neighbours the Town Hall, the Municipal Offices and New Oxford House – together those buildings will then house over 1,000 employees of not only the authority, but staff of partners in both project delivery and health.
Council leader Philip Jackson said: “We have been clear about this authority’s efforts to support our town centre – our purchase of Freshney Place, and then the House of Fraser building is evidence of this.
“However, we have also considered how we need to make every effort possible to encourage and increase footfall to both Freshney Place and the surrounding town centre. Our plan to re-locate staff, where possible, into the town centre is a way of doing just that.”
The new Doughty Road depot will see the amalgamation of services from the current site and the Gilbey Road Depot. It will accommodate all teams that are currently housed at the sites as well as the council’s environmental fleet, bin wagons, education buses and associated vehicles.
Efficiencies will include savings associated with staff working together on one site with modern facilities and infrastructure, green energy from solar panels, battery storage, rainwater harvesting and an air source heat pump. All the hard core from the demolished buildings has also been used for the ground works, with all metal and wood from the demolition recycled.
Stewart Swinburn, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport, added: “I’m delighted to see this approved by Cabinet. We feel strongly that this is a necessary development for the borough and one that will provide countless benefits to the teams working there and Grimsby as a whole.”
Local triathlete secures sponsors for World Standard Distance Aquabike Championships
A Grantham-based triathlete is being helped to achieve her dreams with sponsorship secured for her upcoming trip to the World Standard Distance Aquabike Championships in Malaga, Spain.
As part of the sponsorship, Wardour Secure Networks Ltd and BHive Community, of which Wardour’s Director Simon Pell is a fellow supporter, will provide support to aid Lisa Udall in her journey towards achieving her athletic goals.
Simon Pell, Director of Wardour Secure Networks Ltd, said: “We are delighted to support Lisa in her endeavours as a triathlete. As someone who was born and raised in Grantham, I believe it’s important to highlight the incredible accomplishments that local people, like Lisa, are achieving and to support them in any way that we can.
“By supporting Lisa, we are helping in her quest to become the World Standard Aquabike Champion for GB and hopefully come home with that coveted gold medal.”
Currently an athlete from Belvoir Triathlon Club, Lisa, who is based in Grantham, also trains with Founder and Head Coach Paul Fowler of the 100% Tri Race Team, who has provided Lisa with a training program which will lead her up to the World Champion event.
Lisa currently holds the title for English Standard Distance Champion for Triathlon in her current age group and will be heading to the World Standard Distance Aquabike Championships in October. This World Triathlon event will see her competing against qualifying athletes from countries across the globe to complete a 1500m open water swim and a 40km bike ride.
Lisa Udall expressed gratitude for the sponsorship stating: “I am incredibly grateful for the support from local businesses and organisations like Wardour Secure Networks and BHive Community.
“Training and competing in triathlons require immense dedication, both physically and mentally. With Wardour and BHive Community’s backing, alongside the continued support from my coach, triathlon club and friends and family, I am confident that I can push my limits and achieve new milestones in my athletic journey.”
Picture shows triathlete Lisa Udall and Simon Pell, Director of Wardour Secure Networks Ltd
North Lincolnshire dog rescue charity names new CEO
North Lincolnshire-based charity Jerry Green Dog Rescue has appointed Christina Marriott as CEO.
Christina’s appointment comes at a significant time for the charity, which operates centres at Broughton, Gilberdyke near Goole, Algakirk near Boston, and Blidworth in Nottinghamshire, says Chairman of Trustees Ian Cawsey. He said: “The charity world faces many challenges, not least raising enough funds to do important work in difficult times when people are finding it hard to pay their bills. “Christina’s experience and track record of delivery is impressive, and as we start the 63rd year of Jerry Green Dog Rescue, we look forward to working with her on the next chapter of our development, to build an organisation that can endure for many more years ahead.”Exclusive Viewing Day: You’re invited to Ashfield Park, Lincolnshire
Tingdene Residential Parks are delighted to extend a special invitation to you for our upcoming viewing day at Ashfield Park, Scunthorpe, a vibrant community exclusively for the over 50s.Join us as we unveil a range of new plots and thoughtfully designed homes, whilst exploring the benefits of park home living firsthand. With brand new 1- and 2-bedroom homes available, starting from £139,500, our viewing day is your chance to explore the new opportunities available at the park and imagine the fulfilling lifestyle that can be achieved by making Ashfield Park your new home.Our friendly team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and help you get started on your journey.We look forward to seeing you.Date: Tuesday 20th FebruaryTime: 10am – 4pmLocation: Burringham Road, Scunthorpe DN17 2AL
Tickets can be booked on Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/february-viewing-day-introducing-ashfield-park-lincolnshire-tickets-810758940817?aff=oddtdtcreatorOr call our team on 01933 837192 to book a place.
Gainsborough gears up for evening light show
Gainsborough is getting ready for an evening of lightships when Illuminate, involving lanterns, projections, and a spectacular fire garden, comes to town in early March.
On Saturday 9 March, Gainsborough’s special light-themed event returns to the historic heart of the town, including the return of the community lantern parade, a fire garden in the grounds of All Saints’ Parish Church, lanterns on display in the grounds of Gainsborough Old Hall, street performers and samba music.
This year’s event theme is ‘Love, Gainsborough’, featuring willow lanterns made by local school children and artists.
There will be daytime activities at Parish Church and in the Market Place where you can make your own lantern from 10:30am – 2:30pm and evening activities around the Old Hall and All Saints’ Parish Church.
Chairman of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Stephen Bunney, expressed his delight for the arrival of Illuminate. He said: “The return of the community lantern parade for this year’s Illuminate will be a fantastic sight in the town. As Chairman of the Council, I am delighted to invite residents and visitors to West Lindsey to attend this spectacular event.”
West Lindsey District Council’s event lead, Dr Anna Scott, added: “This year’s event is about Gainsborough as a community – bringing people back together for a town centre parade that they have helped to create. Illuminate has been made possible thanks to our partnership with All Saints’ Parish Church and Gainsborough Old Hall, and we’re grateful for their support to make the event possible.”
English Heritage, who manage Gainsborough Old Hall, are delighted to be involved with the event once again, with Area Manager Louise Fountain adding: “It is fantastic that Gainsborough Old Hall and English Heritage are once again able to work with West Lindsey District Council on such a wonderful event. I am delighted to be able to open the grounds up for the Illuminate event and to use the Old Hall as a stunning backdrop for the performers and lanterns we expect to see on the night.”
This event has been made possible by funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, West Lindsey District Council and Gainsborough Town Council.
