Poppy cascades installed in Grantham for Remembrance commemorations
Scarlet poppy cascades have been installed on Grantham’s Guildhall Arts Centre for the town’s Remembrance commemorations.
Grantham Arts was commissioned by South Kesteven District Council to run workshops and engage art and design students from Grantham College to create military silhouettes.
Creative workshops attracted more than 100 volunteers to make 2,000 poppies and attach them to military camouflage netting for the cascades, including a session with St Anne’s Cubs and Scouts.
Students researched iconic figures from wartime history, resulting in four decorated silhouettes of a WW2 paratrooper, a WW1 Tommy soldier, a Naval Wren and a Land Girl standing by the poppies. At night they are being highlighted for maximum effect using red-uplighters.
The installation work drew enthusiastic responses from passers-by, and the helping hand of a ladder from Shaun Turner of Kesteven Decorating Services.
Student Rebekah Tambling, who helped to design and decorate the WW1 soldier figure, said: “It’s been a great project to work on, particularly as I am from a military family. It means a lot to me.”
Anne Marie Kerr of Grantham Arts said: “Civic pride is really important to a town, and when you engage the local community in projects like this people really do start to feel that pride. We were delighted to work with the Council to produce this installation.”
The installation will remain in place throughout Remembrance Week.
Image courtesy of South Kesteven District Council shows Dawn Wesselby and Anne-Marie Kerr from Grantham Arts with Rebekah Tambling.
Rotors and Wings Lunch raises £75,000 for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance
The Lincolnshire Air Ambulance County Appeal (LAACA) Lunch and Auction of Pledges has raised over £75,000 for the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA).
A dazzling fly past by a Spitfire and Mustang from The Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight accompanied by the sound of the RAF Waddington Pipes & Drums started the proceedings at this prestigious event held at the Lincolnshire Showground.
The LNAA helicopter and critical care car also appeared and guests were given an opportunity to engage with the crew members, ask questions and see firsthand where their donations are being invested.
LAACA Chair Andrew Pearce said: “We are so proud that the 2023 ‘Rotors and Wings’ Lunch has raised such vital funds to support the life-saving work that Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance provides to the communities of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
“With each mission now costing around £4,000 and with an average of 4 emergency call outs every day every penny raised really counts. And once all the pledges are received, we expect the final amount to reach in excess of £88,000.”
400 guests attended and listened spellbound to a former patient, Mark Jones, as he gave a very moving account of his own story, before host and compere Andy Larmouth entertained the guests with a magic trick or two.
Then local auctioneer George Sanderson started the auctions, inviting guests to bid on a whole array of once in a lifetime adventures and experiences – from art to aviation, racing to catering, there was something for everyone.
LNAA’s CEO, Karen Jobling expressed her thanks for their wonderful support. She said: “As one of the leading Helicopter Emergency Medical Service charities in the UK, we constantly challenge ourselves to deliver the very highest level of pre-hospital critical care to our patients.
“This year we need to raise £10 million to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We receive no direct funding from the Government, instead we rely on the wonderful generosity of individuals and groups like the LAACA committee to help fund our work and enable us to continue to be by the side of patients, day and night.”
LAACA was formed in 2018 with a goal to raise up to £40,000 a year to help support the life-saving work of the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance. It evolved at a crucial time when additional funding was required to extend the emergency medical service to a 24/7 basis.
The 2023 ‘Rotors and Wings’ Gala Lunch is the third fundraising event that LAACA has staged over the last 5 years; the first Lunch in 2018 raised £95,000, followed by a Christmas Auction in 2020 which raised £86,000.
Andrew summed up the day and said: “Events of this magnitude don’t just happen, they take years of planning to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day.
“I can honestly say that it’s been a dream to have worked with a group of fantastic committee members from all four corners of Lincolnshire including Penny Would (LAACA co-founder), Patrick and Toni Salmon, Duncan and Sarah Worth, Alice Gray, Sally Strawson, Rosie Theaker, Emma Would, Amy Simes, Emma Hawthorne, Emma Caudwell, Catherine Pearce, Georgia Watson and Jamey Burtt (auction expert).”
The LAACA committee and all the team at Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance would like to thank everyone who contributed to making the day such a success, raising vital funds to support the charity. And there is still time to make a donation to the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance – just visit their website at https://www.ambucopter.org.uk/make-a-donation/
North Lincolnshire Council and British Steel join forces to develop 300-acre opportunity
Thousands of green jobs could be created in Scunthorpe as a globally renowned consultancy firm starts work on a masterplan for a 300-acre advanced manufacturing park.
It comes after British Steel unveiled plans for the biggest transformation in its history – a £1.25bn proposal to become a clean and sustainable business. British Steel’s plans have been met with concern however, due to involving the shutting down of Scunthorpe’s blast furnaces, which could see 2,000 jobs lost.
As part of the plan North Lincolnshire Council and British Steel have said they will develop up to 300-acres on surplus land at the steelworks.
Backed with Government cash, the proposal is designed to create new development opportunities for businesses to create green jobs in the wider steel and engineering sector, harnessing hydrogen technology and accessing global markets with innovative new products through the vast port complex across the wider area.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “There is a huge opportunity to create something new, attracting innovative technology companies and well-paid jobs here to Scunthorpe on an underdeveloped site of industrial heritage.
“The transition to net zero must be through taking opportunity not managed decline – taking advantage of the green opportunities globally while harnessing our engineering skills and capabilities locally is the future.”
North Lincolnshire Council will take a role in developing the site – with a number of prospective new businesses already looking to invest.
Internationally renowned consultants Arup have been drafted in to develop the proposals, focussing on design, engineering, architecture and planning.
Holly Mumby-Croft, MP for Scunthorpe and Vice Chair of the Town Fund Board, said: “It is welcome news for our area that British Steel have committed to work closely with North Lincolnshire Council to develop the future of surplus land on the steelworks site.
“There are businesses interested in coming to North Lincolnshire and I will work with the council and British Steel to ensure we make the most of those opportunities.
“There is a unique expertise in our area, from generations of steelmaking. We need to champion those skills and expand on this with new green and well-paid job opportunities and this plan does just that.”
British Steel’s Chief Commercial & Procurement Officer, Allan Bell, said: “British Steel and our owners, Jingye, are committed to building a sustainable future for our business and the communities in which we operate.
“Parts of our Scunthorpe site offer excellent development opportunities and we look forward to working in partnership with North Lincolnshire Council to realise this potential.”
2,000 Scunthorpe jobs on the line as British Steel reveals intent to shut down blast furnaces
British Steel has revealed £1.25 billion decarbonisation proposals that unions say could see 2,000 jobs lost in Scunthorpe.
The company is planning to shut down blast furnaces at the manufacturing site, replacing them with greener and cheaper electric arc furnaces. The new furnaces could be operational by late 2025 and would replace the aging iron and steelmaking operations in Scunthorpe which the business says are responsible for the vast majority of its CO2 emissions. British Steel has started preliminary talks with trade unions about electrification, and has promised to support employees affected by the decarbonisation plans. It has agreed for its proposals to be reviewed by an external specialist on behalf of the trade unions. The company added that it is working with North Lincolnshire Council on a masterplan to attract new businesses and jobs to the Scunthorpe site, parts of which could become vacant if the proposals go ahead.Heritage scheme to bring new life to more Gainsborough buildings
Heritage improvements to five more building in Gainsborough have been approved as part of the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI).
West Lindsey District Council has been working with local building owners and tenants to improve the condition of historic buildings. The aim is to reverse the decline of the town by offering substantial grants towards the costs to renovate the buildings, bringing empty properties back into use and maximising the potential for them to be used today.
The council was awarded £1.25m to repair, restore and regenerate the buildings in Gainsborough as part of the THI. The National Lottery Heritage Fund award for historic building repair grants was later supplemented significantly by a large additional award from the Levelling Up Fund.
Work in the town has been moving apace with a number of projects completed or near completion and a new round of exciting developments are set to get underway.
Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Trevor Young said: “As someone who has grown up and lives in Gainsborough and is enthusiastic about seeing improvements, it is very exciting to see the number of buildings which are now involved with the scheme.
“Visitors and residents will no doubt be familiar with the work that has been completed with 5-7 Market Place, now The Fabric Place, 27-29 Lord Street and 7 Lord Street. The improvements to these buildings have had a positive impact upon the townscape.
“I am delighted that the Restoration Grants Panel unanimously approved the funding for more buildings and I am looking forward to watching the work begin and seeing the final completions.”
Buildings that will receive funding include:
- 24 Market Street – the Old Courthouse which stands across the road from the Guildhall will have the sash windows overhauled, alongside repairs to the brickwork, pointing and rainwater goods.
- 37 Lord Street – Café Latte will have work conducted on the windows and brickwork. The largest difference people will notice will be the reinstatement of a traditional shopfront and awnings.
- 1,3,5 Lord Street /2 Ropery Road – Clock House and Salon 5 – and 2 Ropery Road, which shares a roof with 1 Lord Street. It is the repair of this roof that will form the bulk of the work, alongside the replacement of the windows with wooden sash, and the introduction of more traditional entranceways and awnings.
- 25 Lord Street – has already undergone a significant amount of work to introduce three new retail units on the ground floor of the former public house, and will see work continuing to the exterior. Work will include the repair to the roof and windows, the removal of cement render and the reinstatement of the stone string course which was discovered to have been carved with the former name of the inn – The Black Bull.
- 34-36 Market Place, better known as Walter’s Opticians is looking to carry out repair work to the bricks and windows and an adjustment to the shopfront, bringing it closer in design to what it would once have been.
- The former WHSmith’s building on 1 Silver Street will also see a big change. Alongside the replacement to the shopfront with a traditional wooden design, three new retail units will be created in the former warehouse section along Curtis Walk, bringing exciting opportunities to an often-overlooked area of the town.
Savoy Cinema commits to £9m plan for Gainsborough
West Lindsey District Council has teamed up with Savoy Cinemas for the delivery of a £9m town centre regeneration project including a four-screen cinema, restaurant, retail units and car parking.
Savoy Cinemas MD James Collington, said: “We are delighted to be part of this exciting regeneration initiative of Gainsborough town centre. The area has undergone significant change over the last few years, and it still has huge potential to develop further. We are looking forward to commencing work on the development and welcoming you through our doors on opening night.”
The development will be funded through contributions from the Council, the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the government’s Levelling Up Fund and Savoy Cinemas.
Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Trevor Young, said: “We are thrilled to finally be able to announce our deal with Savoy Cinemas. As a local family cinema operator, Savoy shares the Council’s passion for investing in Gainsborough, with a development that will breathe life back into our town centre.”
Director of Planning, Regeneration and Communities at West Lindsey District Council, Sally Grindrod-Smith, said: “This has been an incredibly challenging site to bring forward. The Council was required to step in and acquire the land, lead the demolition of the former Lindsey Centre and secure grant funding to make the scheme viable. This is all part of our enabling role.
“The eagerly anticipated development will significantly contribute to the town’s local economy, increasing footfall, dwell time and spend. It will add to the town’s leisure offer, servicing local residents and encouraging new visitors to the town.”
The development will provide a new walking link between Marshall’s Yard and the historic market place, where further investment from the Levelling Up Fund and National Lottery Townscape Heritage Initiative is rejuvenating the historic marketplace.
The scheme has also been designed to be environmentally efficient, through the inclusion of solar panels and air sourced heat technology. It will also enhance the setting of the Town Centre Conservation Area through its historic design and use of high-quality materials.
Poppy collection planned for Gainsborough’s Farmers Market
On Remembrance Day there will be a Poppy Collection and Appeal by the Royal British Legion alongside Last Post and Reveille at 11am during November Farmers’ and Craft Market in Gainsborough.
At the market there are to be performances by the LahDiDahs, 1940’s and vintage close harmony trio of soprano, alto and mezzo. They are based in the East Midlands with a passion for keeping alive the songs of the past.
Bridget from the Lahdidahs 1940’s said: “We will be at the Farmer’s and Craft Market as part of the Poppy Collection Day event, where we will be performing some 1940’s and wartime songs and taking part in a short ceremony of remembrance. It’s important that we remember our servicemen past and present and highlight their sacrifice for future generations and we are very pleased to be involved.”
There will also be a poppy wall of remembrance where people can craft their own poppy and add a message.
Vintage vehicles will be on display alongside a 20th Century Living History Group re-enacting drills.
Vintage stalls will be joining the usual traders offering the best in local, fresh, homemade and handmade produce.
Nicola Marshall, Town’s Centre Manager at West Lindsey District Council said: “This Farmers and Craft Market is a special day where we will remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving for their country. Join us to honour the members of the armed forces as we are joined by the Royal British Legion and friends.”
Pooled resources: Government announces funding to support leisure centres in Lincolnshire
Sleaford, North Hykeham, Barton, and Spalding are amongst 200 places to be offered a share in £20m to keep swimming pools afloat in response to increased operating costs.
The Swimming Pool Support Fund was announced at the March Budget to support facilities with swimming pools. This first £20 million of funding is going to the swimming pools and leisure centres most at risk of closure or significant service reduction, and will be used to help with the recent rise in energy costs, such as paying towards immediate maintenance costs, heating and pool chemicals.
Operating costs including but not limited to heating, alongside general inflationary pressure has increased considerably over recent months, with local authorities facing greater challenges to make ends meet as a result.
Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said: “Leisure centres and pools are vital for millions of people to stay fit and healthy, and we know that many public swimming pools are experiencing greater pressure due to increased operating costs.
“We have heard their concerns and have stepped in to help them make ends meet with £20 million immediate relief, and a further £40 million to help improve sustainability of public swimming pools over the long term.”
Five-time Olympic Swimmer Mark Foster said: “Swimming pools are at the heart of communities, and there are so many reasons why this funding to keep almost 200 open in England is so important.
“From babies and children learning to swim, to older adults using their local pool to get active and socialise, swimming has a huge range of benefits and I am a passionate advocate for investment in the grass roots.”
Community Foundation launches new help fund after Storm Babet
Lincolnshire Community Foundation has launched a new fund available to individuals and families whose home was severely impacted because of flooding caused by Storm Babet.
It says priority will be given to those households with occupants over 70 years old, those with young children, or those with physical, learning or mental health conditions.
Following donations from East Lindsey District Council, The Horncastle Lions and The Horncastle & District health and Wellbeing Fund, those affected can apply for small grants of up to £200 to cover costs towards cleaning, emergency repairs, heating, basic furniture and white goods and alternative accommodation costs.
Wherever possible grants replace essential items that have been lost. The fund does not aim to replace like with like, and cannot be a substitute for insurance, noting this is not intended for business use.
Claire Edwards of Lincolnshire Community Foundation and Grants Manager for the fund said: “We thank East Lindsey District Council and the Horncastle Lions for providing this funding so we can provide a small grant to those individuals in East Lindsey who were flooded following Storm Babet on 19th and 20th October.”
Councillor Craig Leyland, Leader of East Lindsey District Council, said “Thanks to these collaborative efforts of the Council, the Horncastle Lions and the Horncastle and District Health and Wellbeing Fund, this new fund is to aid individuals and families severely impacted by flooding. Small grants of up to £200 will be available to help replace essential lost items.”
Woodhall Spa cancels 1940s Festival
The Woodhall Spa 1940s Festival Committee has taken what it calls a tough decision to cancel this year’s event, blaming increased costs as the chief limiting factor.
In a statement the volunteer committee says: “Sadly, operating costs have now simply become too high for us to carry on. As our free event has become more and more popular year-on-year, the costs of keeping so many people safe, secure, well-served with the right infrastructure, like traffic management, medical cover and insurances, and entertained with the kind of wide range of performances and re-enactments any crowd deserves, have risen very sharply.
“Those costs also show no signs of easing in future years, in fact they are likely to increase even more. At the same time our income and reserves have been slowly eroded by external factors. As a team of volunteers, we have taken a hard and considered look at the viability of the festival, and it is with very heavy hearts that we now have no choice but to thank everyone who has supported us in any way since 2012 and say a fond goodbye.
“The festival grew from very small acorns planted in our village in 2012 and has, since then, grown to become among the very finest of events found anywhere in the UK. This is a significant feat for an event organised entirely by local volunteers, who simply wanted to celebrate the incredible beauty of Woodhall Spa and commemorate its proud heritage.
“We remain very proud of all we achieved and all we have contributed to our home village. The joy of seeing so many people enjoy the fruits of our labour was always thrilling and the sights and songs will live long in our hearts, as we hope they do in yours.”
The committee says it will be in touch with anyone directly affected, such as those enrolled in the On The Ration Lottery, and asks for patience as the process is completed. “It will take some time for us to wind everything up behind the scenes, but in the meantime, we’ll be working on seeing out our responsibilities to local good causes and honouring lottery vouchers, for example.”
The statement ends with thanks to the local residents, businesses, sponsors, entertainers, reenactors, partners and supporters the committee has worked with for all their talents and contributions, without which the festival would not have been the success it became.”
