Sweetening the deal: Cookies for Heroes
In a world that’s constantly on the move, there are those who stand steadfast, dedicated to serving and protecting others. These are our everyday heroes – the individuals who selflessly give their all to ensure our safety, health, and education. Yet, too often, their unwavering commitment goes unnoticed and unappreciated.
Motor Source Group believe it’s time to change that. It is proud to introduce the heartwarming campaign, Cookies for Heroes, an initiative aimed at recognising and celebrating the heroes in our communities who serve in the NHS, Police, Prison Service, Fire & Rescue Services, Military, and the teaching profession.
A token of gratitude
Cookies for Heroes is a way to show appreciation to those who tirelessly work behind the scenes, making sacrifices for the greater good, and every month, Motor Source Group will be sending out a box of delicious cookie box treats to say thank you.
Steve Thornton, founder and CEO, said: “We have always strongly believed in thanking our communities with our mission firmly focused on recognising and rewarding our emergency services and other public sector personnel with our unique new car discounts programme.
“In the current climate, we understand the time and financial struggles people are facing, so now more than ever our everyday heroes deserve to know they are appreciated, and we’re here to tell them in the sweetest way possible – with cookies!”
Nominate your everyday hero
We invite you to nominate your everyday heroes. These could be the doctors and nurses working tirelessly in our hospitals, the brave officers on our streets, the compassionate educators shaping our children’s future, and so many more. If you know an individual, team or department who goes above and beyond in their service, it’s time to shine a spotlight on them.
Nomination is easy! Simply fill out the nomination form here: tinyurl.com/motorsourcecookies
Share why they deserve recognition, and how they’ve made a difference in your life or your community. Motor Source Group can’t wait to read your inspiring stories and honour these exceptional people.
Don’t forget to share this with your friends and colleagues too so Motor Source Group can send out more sweet treats.
Supporting another small business too
Motor Source Group’s cookies aren’t just any cookies; they are handmade, bespoke, and crafted with love by a local small business, Cookie Doodle Doo in Lincolnshire. So not only will you be spreading cheer to your deserving colleagues, you will also be supporting a small business too.
Together, we can make a difference
Motor Source Group firmly believes that a small act of kindness can go a long way. Cookies for Heroes is its way of saying thank you, but it’s also an opportunity for all of us to collectively express our gratitude to the heroes who keep our communities safe, healthy, and educated. Together, we can make a difference and bring smiles to the faces of those who work tirelessly to make the world a better place.
Join us in this heartwarming campaign and let’s sweeten the lives of our everyday heroes one cookie at a time.
Nominate your everyday heroes today: tinyurl.com/motorsourcecookies
North Lincolnshire councillors join forces to object to NHS shifting services to Grimsby
North Lincolnshire Council councillors have voted unanimously to object to what it calls a ‘major downgrading’ of Scunthorpe General Hospital as the NHS considers shifting a raft of services to Grimsby.
The council also raised the prospect of launching a judicial review if local people’s views are not given the weight they deserve when deciding on the future of health services in the area.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “The proposals are clearly about saving money rather than what is best for local people. Improving services must be at the heart of any changes – the people of Scunthorpe and the surrounding area should get the best possible healthcare.
“Where there is a need for specialisms having a single site – and if better care can be assured – then the support mechanism for people accessing that care need to be in place.”
Labour Group leader Len Foster said: “Having attended three separate briefings from the Integrated Care Board on behalf of the National Health Service regarding the transfer of services from Scunthorpe General Hospital to Grimsby I have, unfortunately, become more disheartened with each meeting. What is supposedly a consultation with North Lincolnshire residents is appearing more like a fait accompli.
“This is a total turn-around by the NHS, who not so long ago were talking up the possibility of providing a full ‘Blue Light Zone’ encompassing all health and emergency services but obviously not only has this been shelved but we face a possibility of a withdrawal of many services in Scunthorpe.
“Nevertheless, we need to ensure that this is not the beginning of the end or the death by a thousand cuts for Scunthorpe, and I would encourage all local residents to express their dissatisfaction by engaging in the consultation – patients and their loved ones within the Scunthorpe area should not be forced to lose out on these vital health services.”
The extraordinary meeting of the council was called after health bosses launched a public consultation, inviting residents to share their thoughts on proposed changes to the way some services are provided across Scunthorpe General Hospital and Diana Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby.
The 14-week consultation is being led by NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) – the proposals seek to provide some services solely from Diana Princess of Wales Hospital rather than across both hospitals, as is now the case.
The proposal being put forward relates to a trauma unit, overnight emergency surgery, specialist teams for heart, lung and stomach conditions and paediatric overnight care for children and young people who need to stay in hospital for more than 24 hours.
A final decision will be taken by the ICB Board in 2024.
The motion agreed by the council was: “This council strongly objects to the clinician-led proposals recently announced by the ICB regarding the transfer of some vital NHS services from Scunthorpe General Hospital to Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby. Transferring services to Grimsby would mean that patients and visitors would face additional transport costs which is an unnecessary barrier to accessing important health services.
“However, what is currently proposed can only be described as a major downgrading of Scunthorpe General Hospital and its services to the detriment of our communities, and will only benefit those who live in North East Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire.
“We will work with all local MPs and we will defend robustly the health needs of our children, families and older and disabled residents to protect our NHS services in Scunthorpe. The Council reserves the right to apply for a full judicial review should the outcome of the consultation and the resulting recommendations not be in the best interests of North Lincolnshire residents.”
Three drop-in consultation sessions will be held; the first in Goole on 12 October, the second in Grimsby on 16 October and finally in Scunthorpe on 20 October.
Contractors prepare for transformation of Grimsby’s Freshney Place
Contractors appointed to transform Grimsby’s Freshney Place are preparing to carry out detailed examination surveys ahead of the major scheme starting next year.
A spokesperson from Morgan Sindall said: “This is an extremely exciting scheme, which is set to transform this western end of Freshney Place in terms of the diversity of the offer and the look and feel of the whole area.
“As we prepare for the main works to begin, we do need to do all the necessary groundwork and we appreciate this may cause slight disruption for both shoppers and traders. We do apologise for that, and we will endeavour to keep this to a minimum.”
Supported by a £20m LUF (Levelling Up Fund) grant award, the Freshney Place Market Hall and Leisure Scheme will create a modern and vibrant new Market Hall in the old BHS building, a new five-screen cinema operated by Parkway Cinema, more space for eateries and leisure, and a purpose-built community space.
From Tuesday 17 October to Friday 10 November the shopping centre’s Flottergate entrance will be closed along with one of the indoor Top Town Market entrances on the main Flottergate mall. The other three market entrances – including the two external ones next to Devonshire House and on Victoria Street – will be open as normal on market days – Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Freshney Place is otherwise unaffected, with just some slight diversions around Flottergate. Signs will direct shoppers.
Port of Grimsby becomes London for new Netflix drama
The Port of Grimsby has been transformed into London to feature in the Netflix drama Bodies, a part sci-fi, part murder mystery series.
It’s part of a drive by ABP to generate an income stream from film and television work, and saw the port taken over by the production for a month as the location was transformed in to 1940s London, including the transformation of one building into Aldgate East tube station. Other buildings were transformed into period shops and houses.
Simon Bird, Regional Director of the Humber said: “It’s great to see our Port of Grimsby being used by film and television production companies. The historic quarter is attracting a lot of interest from location managers and producers who like the authenticity and character of the place. We hope this is the start of a new venture for the area.”
The port over the years has already hosted many productions from an episode of Wheeler Dealers last year when Mike Brewer and Elvis toured round in a renovated Ford Transit van to the film Three Day Millionaire about a group of fishermen who stage a robbery; to Atonement when it featured as a French town.
Greg Lacey, Head of Property (Humber) added: “Having a rich and diverse mix of historic buildings is proving popular with film makers. It’s becoming the catalyst to make this area viable and money from these productions can be put back into the buildings to make them more appealing.
“We know from the feedback we receive there is a demand in this area for period buildings and large space, as London and the south east has become overpriced, and companies are looking to the north. The film and TV industry is highly diverse with £6.3 billion spent on production last year, we only expect demand to continue to grow.”
The eight-part series follows four detectives across different time periods all trying to solve the same murder.
East Lindsey businesses offered a share in £1.85m
Businesses in East Lindsey are being invited to apply for a share of £1.85million in a bid to help them to thrive and grow – while aiming to boost employment opportunities and bring wider benefits across South & East Lincolnshire.
Following an award from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund of £1.85million, SMEs are being invited to apply for their share of the money – and, if successful, will be awarded grants of between £1,000 and £24,999 (or 30% of the total eligible cost).
The new source of funding will allow a continuation of the Grants4Growth programme to support a greater number of businesses through a wider range of methods.
There are three types of grant available, which can be used towards increasing capacity, finding new markets and boosting productivity. This could be through capital costs, such as machinery or equipment, and revenue expenditure, whether it’s training, marketing or digital support.
The third option will give businesses with fewer than five employees looking to spend up to £5,000 the opportunity to apply for grants that can cover up to 50% of both capital and revenue purchases to a maximum of £2,500.
Additionally, there is now a new Business Advice Team on hand to provide free guidance to firms looking to grow, offering advice around sales development, productivity, manufacturing, HR issues and other challenges which business can face.
The cash is being invested across South Holland, Boston and East Lindsey, ensuring the benefits can be felt throughout the area.
To be successful, businesses need to demonstrate how the proposed investment will help increase capacity, improve efficiency, bring new products to market, or make the changes they need to remain competitive in the future.
To be eligible to apply for a grant a business must:
• Be classed as an entity involved in economic activity and must have been trading for at least 12 months.
• Trade through a Business Bank Account.
• Be classed as a Small or Medium sized enterprise (SME). This means it must have less than 250 employees, a turnover of less than £40 million and a balance sheet of less than £35 million.
• Not be more than 25% owned by a larger company and if the business is part of a group then all parents and subsidiaries must be included when calculating number of employees, turnover and balance sheet totals.
• Have premises in East Lindsey, Boston or South Holland.
• Any equipment purchased with help of a grant must be homed in the area.
Councillor Steve Kirk, portfolio holder for The Coastal Economy, and Councillor Adam Grist, portfolio holder for Market Towns and the Rural Economy at East Lindsey District Council, added: “It’s fantastic to see businesses in East Lindsey be given the chance to grow and to turn their plans into action through the Grants4Growth funding.
“This can make a real difference and bring about positive change across the district that will benefit coastal, urban and rural businesses while also increasing the chances for employment for our residents.
“Alongside our other major funding, including £48.4million for our Skegness and Mablethorpe Town Deals and £8million Levelling Up funding, this is a really exciting time for major, transformative positive change in East Lindsey that will benefit residents for generations to come.”
Students create and release hit song
Students from Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate (QE) are celebrating after creating and launching the hit song, ‘Feels Like Home’ following a few visits from music producers, Billen Ted, to collaborate and record with the students on campus.
The melody originated from three King’s Magna Middle School students and the lyrics came from thoughts the students had about the school. QE College student, Eden, sang the lead vocals and Oliver provided a saxophone solo for the bridge. Other QE students from Years 11-13 played the instrumental whilst students from Years 6-13 provided the backing vocals. For the music video, three Year 12 students choreographed the dance routine.
Daniel Machin, Principal of QE, is thrilled with the song: “We’re always looking for stand-out opportunities for our talented students. The song is a credit to the QE community, and it is a joy to see younger students in Chapter House singing and dancing to the song and being inspired by our older students.”
www.qe.org
Watch the video here:
Lincolnshire sole trader fined following workers’ exposure to hazardous substance
A Lincolnshire-based sole trader has been fined after his employees were exposed to a hazardous substance.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Chris Buckley, trading as The Furniture Chest, after the workplace regulator inspected the firm’s site on Station Road, Heckington, Lincolnshire, on 7 April 2022.
HSE inspectors found a significant build-up of wood dust and that Local Exhaust Ventilation systems, provided to capture wood dust and protect employees, had not been thoroughly examined and tested.
A subsequent HSE investigation found Chris Buckley had failed to prevent or adequately control employees’ exposure to wood dust and had failed to ensure that Local Exhaust Ventilation systems had been thoroughly examined and tested. Improvement Notices had been served in relation to the control of wood dust at previous inspections.
Wood dust is a hazardous substance and exposure can lead to workers suffering from respiratory diseases such as asthma and sino-nasal cancer.
Chris Buckley of Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 7(1) and 9(2) of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. He was fined £1,354 and ordered to pay costs of £3,578 at Boston Magistrates’ Court on 9 October 2023.
HSE inspector Muir Finlay said: “Chris Buckley could have ensured that his Local Exhaust Ventilation systems were thoroughly examined and tested to ensure that they were working to protect the health of employees. A suitable and sufficient cleaning regime could have been implemented to further reduce the build-up of dust.
“HSE recognises wood dust can cause serious health problems and launched its Dust Kills campaign to help businesses to take action now to protect their workers’ respiratory health.”
This HSE prosecution was supported by HSE enforcement lawyer Rebecca Schwartz.
Renovation project breathes new life into historic dock buildings in Grimsby
Historic buildings at ABP’s Port of Grimsby are being brought back into use as part of a programme of renovation works.
Twelve buildings have initially been earmarked for requiring urgent works, identified from condition surveys undertaken by ABP, Historic England, and North East Lincolnshire Council, as part of grant-funded projects or through other surveys.
Simon Bird, Regional Director for the Humber said: “We are at a crucial stage in this exciting project. Ensuring works are carried out to these initial buildings proves our commitment to the value of our heritage.
“The success of our recent Heritage Open Day at the port is part of the wider work we’re doing to help people understand this historic environment, while bringing new business and employment opportunities to the port, like the filming that has been taking place.”
Greg Lacey, Head of Property said: “The regeneration work being undertaken in the historic quarter known as The Kasbah is vital to the long-term future and security of this location. These buildings will become a great asset to the port and the town appealing to a wide range of business users. We are kick starting the works by prioritising building 74. This will include full scaffolding to the building to make it structurally secure as well as rebuilding the upper elevations and a full roof replacement.”
Part of the funding for the first of the buildings to be repaired, building 74 on Wharncliffe Road South, has come from the Partnership Scheme in Conservation Areas heritage grant worth £150,000. The scheme is being delivered as part of the Greater Grimsby Heritage Action Zone. The scheme is a joint project between Historic England and North East Lincolnshire Council, with support from ABP.
Cllr Hayden Dawkins, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy at North East Lincolnshire Council shares the excitement of all involved in what is currently happening in many areas of the Port of Grimsby, and the support of PsiCA (Partnership Schemes in Conservation Areas) in enabling the works on Building 74.
He said: “The rebirth of both the Kasbah and its surrounding area is a fine example of how partnership working and a desire for change is seeing a transformation that few would have envisaged a decade or so ago. To see this new life and new future happening before our eyes is fantastic – it allows us all to be reminded of what made our town and area great, whilst proving that we can provide fresh opportunities in very different ways.”
Louise Brennan, Regional Director (Midlands) for Historic England said: “We are very pleased to be able to support ABP in arresting the decline of Building 74 and carrying out repairs. It is a key building in the Kasbah conservation area. The huge success of the recent Heritage Open Day shows the interest the people of Grimsby have in the historic docks and the progress made to regenerate the area.”
The work being undertaken in the port of Grimsby within the Kasbah conservation zone has shown a shift by the company when it comes to what is left of our heritage. The Kasbah masterplan examines future opportunities and developments that present themselves in the context of historic buildings located within an operational port.
The Kasbah is becoming a place to go for many film makers, as being one of the few areas outside London and the south east which has conserved its heritage. Henderson Street, which features in the latest Netflix drama Bodies, which airs on the streaming platform on October 16th, is one of the few streets on the port which presents an ideal closed film location with its red brick period buildings.
This roll out of renovation works is only the beginning for the historic area of the docks as it enters a new golden age.
Building 74 was once the offices for Sir Thomas Robinson and Son Limited. Tosh Robinson, as he was known, was a trawler owner, who had a few business operations on the port. He came from a long line of Cleethorpes fishermen, and converted from smack fishing to steam trawling and was one of the many pioneers to establish Grimsby as the premier fishing port in the world.
Lincoln Castle scoops gold award from VisitEngland
Lincoln Castle has received VisitEngland’s Gold Award, recognising it as amongst the best visitor attractions in the country.
Gold award status recognises those attractions that have scored highly across the board, and Lincoln Castle is one of only four venues in the whole of the East Midlands to receive the award this year.
Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, executive member for culture at Lincolnshire County Council, said “Lincoln Castle truly outperforms in the tourism world. Earlier this year it was revealed to have been England’s most visited free castle in 2022, and now the unforgettable days out and exciting events it offers have been recognised with this Gold Award from VisitEngland.
“Alongside our other culture and heritage sites across the city and beyond, Lincoln Castle attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors and in turn supports the visitor economy of Lincoln and Lincolnshire. For a sector that is struggling, nationally, to recover from the effects of the pandemic and an ongoing cost of living crisis, it’s important we celebrate Lincoln Castle’s success as an opportunity to entice more people to enjoy our beautiful county.”
Tourism is one of England’s largest and most valuable industries, and across Lincolnshire the sector is worth around £2.39bn to the local economy.
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “These accolades are a testament to the outstanding experiences and customer service that attractions in England give visitors. They also recognise different aspects of the visitor experience with attractions who really go the extra mile, whether it’s offering exceptional food and drink or magical storytelling.
“The attractions honoured today go out of their way to make visits memorable, creating reasons for people to travel to new locations, also boosting local economies across England.”
Christmas Craft, Food & Gift Fair returns to Sandringham
It’s that time of the year again, when the annual Christmas Craft, Food & Gift Fair at Sandringham prepares for its return.
Taking place from 17 – 19 November, a fabulous show is in store for you with all the old favourites and new attractions and features too. Set in the centre of the event is the new Christmas Village, where log cabins will house selected craftsmen, food producers, venders and attractions. The central food court within this village area will have numerous meet & greet street entertainers, music and great street food to create a lively Christmas time environment.
Moving further around the fair we have the Craft Village, a major display area with well over 100 craftsmen, artists & designers displaying, demonstrating and selling a multitude of hand-crafted items and gifts.
Keep walking and we arrive at Food Glorious Food; synonymous to Christmas is food & drink, such an important aspect of everyone’s Christmas enjoyment.
Equally the Food Halls provide a fabulous array of food and drink from both regional and national producers which are bound to make your taste buds tingle, then pick up some menu ideas from chefs on stage to complete your enjoyment.
Lots more gifts and ideas are abound in the various gift marquees and arcades that interlink the main show areas.
IT IS CHRISTMAS, and you have got to have some showtime fun. This year there are some interesting new attractions in the various entertainment marquees:
The Main Music Marquee has some really splendid performers taking part.
The London Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra offers energetic, colourful, bizarre, tuneful, virtuoso and hilarious performances.
The Heritage Jazz Band and Kevin O’Regan Guitarist and Singer will be in attendance, while the Singing Santa, a classical opera singer, comedian and magician who will also host his own magic show in the Children’s Entertainment Marquee will also be ready to entertain.
Further children’s entertainment includes the wandering walk about entertainers whilst the main marquee includes puppet shows and Santa’s Magic Show.
There are various have-a-go opportunities around the show including Throw-a-Pot, Airguns, Axe Throwing, Christmas Carousel, and a children’s activity marquee with an opportunity to decorate a Christmas tree in the Christmas Tree Tent.
Enjoy all the fun of the fair at the Sandringham Christmas Craft, Food & Gift Fair – Friday, Saturday & Sunday November 17 – 19, 10am – 5pm.
Adults £12, Over 65’s £11, Children £5.
