Volunteers at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) in Lincolnshire, the memorial site and centre for Bomber Command, have been awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service. The honour is the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. It recognises the outstanding achievements and voluntary work of those giving back to their communities. The IBCC volunteer team was granted the award for its tireless work building and developing the centre which honours those who served, supported, or were affected by Bomber Command. They have also helped create the world’s largest free-to-access digital repository incorporating a digital archive of documents that recount the role of Bomber Command during the Second World War and the acclaimed Losses Database, which tells the background of all of those lost in the Command’s 32-year history. The IBCC project has had the support of more than 400 volunteers from nine countries who have so far given more than 61,000 hours – the equivalent of almost seven years. Nicky van der Drift, Chief Executive of the International Bomber Command Centre, said: “It is an honour to receive this award. I know first-hand the amount of work, dedication, and care that our volunteers have given to this project, and I am so proud of what they have achieved. “It’s important that we remember the sacrifices made during the war so that we can recognise the many acts of bravery and heroism, while reconciling the actions of those who served and supported Bomber Command. “Since opening to the public in 2018, we’ve had more than 450,000 visitors to the Centre to pay their respects and reflect as they walk through the 57,861 names surrounding our memorial spire. “None of this would have been possible without the efforts of our brilliant team of volunteers, and I hope each of them feel a share of the pride at having been given the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.” In the five years since opening, the IBCC has accumulated more than 33 awards including Visit England’s Bronze Award for Large Visitor Attraction Excellence putting it in the same company as Blenheim Palace and Warner Bros Studio. Dave Gilbert, one of the volunteers who alone has logged more than 12,000 hours on the project, said: “I joined in 2013 and in the ten years since have put a great deal of effort into the project. “While the work is rewarding in of itself, it’s immensely gratifying to see the hard work the volunteers have collectively put into the project recognised by such a prestigious body.”

Work will begin next month on creating a Community Diagnostic Centre in the heart of Grimsby to serve patients of surrounding areas. The NHS has confirmed that the conversion of units in Freshney Place will begin in December this year, with a view to opening the centre next summer. Once open, the centre will provide a range of non-urgent test facilities for local people. Alex Seale, North Lincolnshire Place Director, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, said: “Our ambition to provide 150,000 additional community diagnostic appointments a year to communities across North East Lincolnshire is progressing well. “Work is due to start on the conversion of a new Hub in the heart of Freshney Place Shopping Centre, Grimsby, early next month and is due to be fully open by next summer, offering services including non-obstetric ultrasounds and a mix of pathology and physiological tests, such as ECGs and X Rays. “It’s important to us that we are able to offer our patients these additional services as soon as possible and so, in line with the national guidance, we are working with our North East Lincolnshire Place colleagues to identify alternative locations for these services to be provided to patients prior to the new centre being operational.” Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is really good news for Freshney Place. Several new shops have opened in the shopping centre recently, including New Look, One Beyond and independent shops. “We’ve relocated other shops within the centre to help prepare the way for the new leisure and market development. The centre’s footfall is improving month on month, and the opening of the CDC will be really good to help diversify the town centre offer too.”

New and affordable housing for Grantham has moved a step closer with the granting of planning permission for 21 new homes to be built for South Kesteven District Council (SKDC). The Larch Close project is part of SKDC’s housing strategy to build much needed homes across the district and will bring a mixture of one-bedroom flats and two to four-bedroom houses, each with their own parking and cycle storage. The site, owned by SKDC and on the town’s Earlesfield estate, was previously a play area subject to occasional anti-social behaviour. Replacement public open space planned for the north of the site is scheduled to be planted with wildflowers and native trees and would include a seating area with ornamental planting. Council Leader Cllr Richard Cleaver said: “South Kesteven District Council is committed to working with our partners to provide good quality affordable new homes that people want and need. “This development shows that we are moving forward with this in a sustainable way and it is part of series of important projects across the district which are now at various stages of delivery.” Planning permission was granted subject to a series of conditions relating to deadlines, archaeology, drainage, ecology and landscaping, plus the completion of a Section 106 agreement.   Image courtesy of South Kesteven District Council.

A new, modern Italian-style bar and restaurant has made its way into Brigg, with the opening of Lascito on the historic Wrawby Street. Offering contemporary Italian cuisine that combines locally-sourced ingredients with Mediterranean flavours, Lascito’s menu is based around fresh, seasonal produce. Expert chefs then work their magic to create new twists on Italian favourites, alongside the timeless classics you’d expect. The venue has been fully renovated to create a relaxing, welcoming environment for diners, whether visiting for a bite to eat over lunch or settling in for an evening of good food, wine and company. A spokesperson for the restaurant shared: “The name Lascito comes from the Italian for ‘legacy’ — and that’s our aim for the restaurant. We hope to leave a lasting legacy, providing good food and a great welcome — both for our own family and for the town of Brigg itself.” To book a table, please use the online booking system on https://www.theexchangebrigg.co.uk/venues/lascito by clicking the calendar logo, contact via Facebook or call 01652 288051.

Support measures for people who have suffered internal flood damage to their homes and businesses has been announced by the government. The support will be made available through a scheme known as the Flood Recovery Framework, which is used in exceptional circumstances to support councils and communities following severe flooding. Areas of West Lindsey were amongst those affected by recent flooding experienced by towns and villages across Lincolnshire and other parts of the county. Gainsborough-based West Lindsey District Council is waiting for the government to announce details of exactly how the funding will be made available, and once this happens will act to ensure the funding is accessible to homes and businesses as quickly as possible. The announcement means:

• Flooded households in affected areas can apply for up to £500 to give cash quickly to help with immediate costs.

• Households and businesses significantly affected by recent flooding will be eligible for 100% council tax and business rates relief for at least three months.
• Small-to-medium sized businesses in affected areas will be eligible for up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant to help them return quickly to business as usual.
• Eligible flood-hit property owners will be able to apply for up to £5,000 to help make their homes and businesses more resilient to future flooding via the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme.

The council is currently working with partner authorities across Lincolnshire to draw up a list of the properties affected by internal flooding to ensure the funding is directed where it is needed. More details on the announcement can be found here at: Support for flood-hit areas