Popular Lincoln pub raises funds for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance are giving a mega fundraising thank you to everyone at the Dog & Bone pub in Lincoln for their fantastic donation of £2,704, raised through holding a series of events from June to December 2023.
LNAA Community Fundraiser, Jac Sutherland, said: “We are so grateful to Sophie and the Dog & Bone team for all their hard work in raising this amazing donation. This support will help keep our crew by the side of more patients every day.”
It is thanks to the generosity and goodwill of supporters like The Dog & Bone pub that the crew of Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance can provide such a critical care.
The highly skilled doctors, paramedics and pilots help people across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire involved in life-threatening incidents every single day.
In 2023, LNAA was tasked to 1,711 incidents. It is one of the UK’s leading Helicopter Emergency Service (HEMS) charities, bringing the equivalent of a hospital emergency department to patients at the scene, giving those with the most severe injuries and medical conditions the very best chance of survival when minutes matter.
Community facilities in Kirton protected
A plethora of community facilities across Kirton in Lindsey have gained protection from development after North Lincolnshire Council declared them assets of community value.
This means that if any owner wants to sell the facilities, local groups have the legal right to bid to acquire them.
Six venues were put forward for protection by Kirton in Lindsey Town Council. Four of these are on the site of the old RAF base on York Road in the town. These are The Vincent Hall, the sports field, tennis courts and the officer’s mess. Protection has also been given to the town’s youth centre and library.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We are happy to support these applications by Kirton Town Council to protect these key community assets.
“Some of these are connected to the RAF base in the town and are used by the local community or could be brought back into use for the benefit of local people.
“This decision helps protect these areas from development, and while North Lincolnshire does need more homes – particularly for older people – these must be built in the right places and not at the expense of much-needed community assets.”
Cllr Carl Sherwood, cabinet member for safer, stronger communities (urban), said: “We have backed communities across the length and breadth of North Lincolnshire – providing things such as community grants, outdoor gym equipment, community libraries and leisure facilities.
“This move to protect community assets is the latest example of how we are backing residents plans and proposals for how their towns and villages can continue to flourish and grow.”
Image credit: Google maps
New Leader for South Kesteven District Council
The new Leader of South Kesteven District Council is Cllr Ashley Baxter, who was voted in at a meeting of the Full Council on Thursday.
Cllr Baxter, who steps up from his role as Deputy Leader, was voted in by 29 votes to 25 (with one abstention) ahead of Conservative Cllr Graham Jeal, who is part of the South Kesteven Coalition Group.
Cllr Baxter takes over from Cllr Richard Cleaver who resigned at the start of the meeting after being in the role since May 2023 when an Independent-led coalition formed a new administration following local elections.
Cllr Baxter, the Independent member for Market and West Deeping, paid tribute to Cllr Cleaver’s record as Leader.
He said: “This change of leadership is not the result of any crisis or instability, and I don’t intend that it should be the cause of any instability. There are 70,000 households that are relying on us to deliver efficient, effective, value for money services.
“We can only do that if we all play our part and work together, cross-party, cross-chamber, members and officers alike. Of course we need constructive abrasion but we all need to remember that ultimately, we’re all on the same team. Thanks for appointing me as Team Captain.”
As a member of the Council’s Cabinet, Cllr Baxter will continue to oversee the Finance and Economic Development portfolios.
Cllr Cleaver becomes Deputy Leader and retains the Property and Public Engagement portfolios.
Other Cabinet members and their responsibilities remain the same:
- Cllr Rhys Baker and Cllr Patsy Ellis, Environment and Waste
- Cllr Phil Dilks, Housing and Planning
- Cllr Philip Knowles, Corporate Governance and Licensing
- Cllr Rhea Rayside, People and Communities
- Cllr Paul Stokes, Leisure and Culture
Generous donation is helping children with their recovery in hospital
A portable sensory play unit is helping children with their recovery in hospital and distracting them from their pain and illnesses.
The £4,000 unit was funded through a generous donation by the family of a young patient to the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity. They wanted to provide some fun for young patients during what is often a worrying and distressing time. The interactive unit has bubble tubes, a music system, fibre optics and a projector.
It is based in the playroom on Rainforest Ward at Lincoln County Hospital, but can be relocated to bedsides as needed by young patients.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust employs play leaders to support children and families in hospital with both normal and therapeutic play, also providing preparation and distraction for procedures.
Karen O’Connor is a Play Leader on Rainforest Ward. She said: “Play is used across the world by children as they explore, learn and understand about their world and the people in it. Play can be lost in times of illness, injury or trauma—but rarely is it needed more.
“This amazing unit has lights and sounds and can project fun images on to walls and ceilings. It enables us to bring a distraction and fun to our patients wherever they might be. It doesn’t take away their pain or illness, but it can bring a bit of fun to their day and a smile to their faces. It is making such a difference.”
Ben Petts, United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity Manger, said: “In many ways we think that play can be a therapy and a natural healer that promotes happiness. So many children have benefitted from this really generous donation. For this family to think of others is inspirational and truly humbling. We are so grateful.
“Donations like this enables the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity to provide the additional extras to elevate the work of the United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust that cannot be provided by the NHS.”
Image courtesy of United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Gainsborough Market to welcome antiques fair
Shoppers will be able to delve into a treasure trove of antiques this Easter as Gainsborough Market welcomes its first antiques fair to the town.
West Lindsey District Council is welcoming MH Antiques and Fairs to its Saturday line-up. Known for their distinctive collection and extensive antiques knowledge, MH Antiques and Fairs will bring an array of antique-themed traders to the open-air market. They will stand alongside the council’s regular Saturday market traders.
Cllr Trevor Young, Leader of West Lindsey District Council and ward member for Gainsborough, said: “I am delighted to welcome MH Antiques and Fairs to our market.
“They are looking to bring a unique blend of vintage artifacts and collectibles, offering shoppers an opportunity to explore and acquire distinctive items, enhancing the diversity and appeal of Gainsborough’s weekly market. I hope everyone will come and explore the antiques fair as well as supporting our regular traders and town centre businesses.”
The addition, of the weekly antiques fair, marks a significant step towards creating an inclusive and engaging marketplace. The first one will take place at the beginning of the Easter Bank Holiday on Saturday, 30 March 2024 and it will run every Saturday until 26 October 2024.
Mark and Harry from MH Antiques and Fairs, said: “We are proud to announce that we will be holding an antiques fair every Saturday on the historic marketplace in Gainsborough.
“Gainsborough is perfectly located for an antiques fair being located next to the Hemswell complex between Newark, Retford, Market Rasen, Horncastle and Lincoln. These fairs will be orientated for the stall holders, the dealers and the private buyers. It will be run by antique dealers for antique dealers.”
Image courtesy of West Lindsey District Council
Public warned of potential hoax callers offering energy advice
West Lindsey District Council has been alerted to potential hoax callers contacting residents claiming to be working with the council.
Residents have reported they have had companies cold calling to offer them energy advice and services, while claiming to be affiliated to the council.
Chair of the Prosperous Communities Committee, Cllr Lesley Rollings, said she wanted to reassure and advise residents to remain vigilant. She said: “It is worrying that there appears to be people cold calling residents, claiming to be affiliated with the council, when that is not the case.
“We want to advise residents that the only partner company the council collaborates with is YES Energy Solutions. It’s important to note that neither the council or YES Energy Solutions, engage in cold calling. Most marketing efforts are conducted through official channels such as letters, leaflet dropping, social media promotion and our website.
“Residents are urged to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of any unsolicited calls. If you have any doubts or concerns, please contact the council directly for confirmation.”
Picture: Stock.adobe.com/Pixel-Shot
Thousands of pounds donated to charities from crematorium recycling scheme
Two local organisations have been the recipients of donations from Grimsby Crematorium following the sale of metals, as part of a national recycling scheme.
St Andrew’s Church, Immingham, and Sunflower Children’s Action Group, in Grimsby, received £7,000 each.
The Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) Metals Recycling Scheme at Grimsby Crematorium has been in operation since 2014, collecting recyclable metals such as parts of the coffin and replacement implants or joints following a cremation. Having received permission from the deceased’s relatives beforehand, proceeds from the sale of these metals go into a charity fund, which is donated locally twice a year.
The ICCM is partnered with Orthometals for the scheme, pioneers in the process of recycling metals from cremations, dubbed ‘crecycling’ by those in their circle. Based in the Netherlands, with the environment at the forefront of everything it does, the organisation’s innovative process leaves a mere fraction of the carbon footprint when compared to brand new, raw materials.
Historically, recyclable metals following a cremation would often have been buried or stored on the grounds of a crematorium. This would have taken up much-needed space and the metal would also remain on the land, as it does not decompose.
The current process disposes of the metal safely and allows for cash from the sale to be returned to beneficiaries at local charities. Since the ICCM scheme began in the UK, in 2007, millions of pounds have been donated to bereavement-related charities.
Daniel Intress-Franklin, Deputy Bereavement Services Manager at Grimsby Crematorium, said: “We are very pleased to be able to use the ICCM Metals Recycling Scheme to help support North East Lincolnshire charities. It is an excellent way to dispose of metals from the crematorium through an environmentally friendly system that puts something back into the community.
“We are aware that Sunflower Children’s Action Group children have come up with a wish list of activities they would like to do this year, so we hope that the funds go some way to making their wishes come true.”
Joanne Wright, Sunflower trustee, said on the group’s Facebook page: “This is a fantastic sum that will truly help us to make a difference to local families who have a child contending with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition.
“This cheque is simply fantastic and will sponsor our events through to the end of March. These are exceptionally brave and deserving children and we hope the local community will get behind us and help us to make a difference throughout 2024.”
Reverend Julie Donn, of St Andrew’s Church, said: “The money donated will be used to support families in Immingham, particularly those who have been bereaved.
“This donation will now allow us to set up a dedicated Immingham bereavement support group for all residents. We hope to help people to events to combat isolation, purchase books for children to help with bereavement, and help people to buy items such as memory boxes.”
Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport at North East Lincolnshire Council, added: “We are delighted to be able to hand these sums of money to charities and are pleased that the ICCM scheme is allowing us to put something back into the community.”
Image: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG
Design architect appointed to level up Cleethorpes’ Market Place
A design architect has been appointed for Market Place as part of Cleethorpes’ Levelling Up Fund projects.
Gillespies will play an integral role in the rejuvenation of the historic square, adding space for social interaction by reconnecting the busy seafront and town centre, creating jobs, and boosting the economy.
These improvements will re-balance the relationship between traffic and pedestrians, encouraging wider circulation of people through the town by providing a safer, healthier, and more pleasant environment for pedestrians, encouraging a circular route from the seafront through to Market Place and to the town centre.
North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) has been awarded £18.4m of Levelling Up Funding (LUF) to transform Cleethorpes seafront. This includes three key areas – Market Place, Pier Gardens and Sea Road.
The council’s delivery partner Equans and NELC’s project management team will work in partnership with the successful design consultancy to develop designs. Community engagement events will be undertaken with local businesses, the wider community, and residents within the vicinity of Market Place.
These events will be designed to generate interest and ideas which will assist with the development of concept designs for Market Place. Once designs are finalised, a main contractor will be appointed during the summer, with works starting thereafter.
Tom Walker, partner at Gillespies, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be helping NELC, local businesses and residents rethink and redesign the Market Place at Cleethorpes. This project is an incredible opportunity to transform a space with enormous potential.
“What is particularly pleasing is working at a seaside resort and space, where joy, richness, and fun can be the focus. It’s important work, but not too serious. There are some excellent businesses around the area that will significantly benefit from the redesign, which could also transform the lives of local people and the visitor experience.”
Councillor Philip Jackson, Leader of the council, said: “North East Lincolnshire Council has an ambitious vision for the growth and regeneration of the resort, diversifying Cleethorpes’ offer and extending the season, both to support the local economy and local people. We’re working hard to make sure that the money spent in this borough is to the benefit of everyone living and working here.”
Image: Stock.adobe.com/shintartanya
Prolific rogue trader jailed
A prolific rogue trader has been jailed after an investigation by Lincolnshire Trading Standards.
Between 2018 and 2020, Quenton Allen, 37, of Mill Lane, Wrangle, targeted elderly and vulnerable residents, convincing them there were problems with their roofs or chimneys that needed urgent work.
Mr Allen and his associates would then carry out the unnecessary work – often to a very poor standard – and then charge the homeowners way above the going rate.
All roofs in this case were examined by an expert and deemed that the work was not required in the first place. Work also hadn’t been carried out to a good or expected standard in relation to the price that Mr Allen charged the homeowner.
One homeowner had their chimney rebuilt by Mr Allen. When inspected it was found to be much shorter than the original one and actually posed a safety risk if the homeowner were to use his fire.
After an initial delay due to the pandemic, Quenton Allen appeared in Lincoln Crown Court on 23 November 2023 where he pleaded guilty to Professional Diligence for all six properties involved in the case.
At sentencing at Lincoln Crown Court on 19 January 2024, Mr Allen was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment of which half must be served, a victim surcharge and a Criminal Behaviour Order which will run indefinitely.
Senior Trading Standards officer, Sally Gray, said: “The consumers in this case lived throughout Lincolnshire. The leaflets handed to them – despite looking legitimate – had a fictitious company name on them, so none of them really knew who they were dealing with.
“In one case, the consumer was taken to the bank to withdraw the cash to pay Mr Allen and another was asked to part with their vintage car as part payment for the work that had been carried out.
“This sentence acts as a warning to others and should provide some level of justice to those who suffered, who will be pleased to see Quenton Allen behind bars.”
Image courtesy of Lincolnshire County Council 24-hour danceathon draws nearer
The Mayor of the Borough of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Ian Lindley, is hoping to continue efforts to raise money as his danceathon draws closer.
Announced in December, the event will be part of the Mayor’s yearly fundraising campaign. He will be raising money for The Pink Rose Suite Grimsby and the Sunflowers Children’s Action Group.
The Pink Rose Suite is a dedicated breast cancer unit at Grimsby’s Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, providing various services for cancer patients as well as aiding surgical teams across the area.
Sunflowers Children’s Action Group is a charity founded in 2019 to help those suffering from life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. The group look to give young people experiences they will never forget and help families through difficult times.
The Mayor of the Borough of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Ian Lindley, is hoping to raise £2,000 from the event with an online fundraiser set up to help him reach his target. To donate, visit the Mayor’s fundraiser page on Just giving.
The event will be held from 9am on Thursday 21st March to 9am Friday 22nd March at Grimsby Town Hall. Residents and community groups are also being asked to help out by joining the Mayor throughout the danceathon.
The Mayor of the Borough of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Ian Lindley, said: “I’m looking forward to putting my training into practice in the near future.
“We have already had some people join up to dance alongside me, but welcome anyone else who wishes to do so. As we get closer to the date, I’m hoping to get as close to my target as possible and hope the people of North East Lincolnshire can help me get there.”
To get involved with the danceathon please express your interest in an email to paul.wisken@nelincs.gov.uk.
Image courtesy of North East Lincolnshire Council
