East Midlands Railway encourages people to get on board with volunteering

Stuart Pearcey
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East Midlands Railway encourages people to get on board with volunteering

Charity Carers First and East Midlands Railway are joining forces in a project that will raise the visibility of local services for Lincolnshire’s unpaid carers and support more people to benefit from volunteering.

Carers First works directly with, and for carers to provide personalised information and tailored support in the way that suits them, helping them find balance, and to live their lives to the fullest.

In Lincolnshire, Carers First volunteers have the opportunity to support unpaid carers in a range of activities, as well as helping raise much needed funds for local carer events.

The Community Fundraiser and Promotion Volunteers will help with fundraising events and organise activities in their local community. For example, volunteers have previously helped to raise over £700 in a bucket collection at Lincoln City Football Club.

Ellie Boon, Volunteer Manager at Carers First, said: “Volunteering can be such a good thing to do, whether you’re looking for a way to connect with your community, learn some new skills, find a job, or feel committed to supporting carers.

“We really value our volunteers here at Carers First, and we provide them with support and training.  We’re a small and friendly team, and volunteers make an enormous difference to the work we do and to the support we can provide to unpaid carers.”

Increased community presence for Carers First will help more people recognise themselves as carers and raise awareness of the support and services available to them. ​

The project, funded by the East Midlands Railway Foundation, aims to attract new community fundraising and promotions volunteers to increase awareness and raise funds for carer events, activities, and projects.

Those who volunteer will be given all the training and support they need and will have the opportunity to volunteer for additional roles available within Carers First or other local organisations.

For carers, the outcomes of this project will include improved emotional wellbeing, greater recognition, feeling more valued and included, more people identifying as carers, and reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation​.

Locally, they aim to increase the awareness of Carers First services and of carers within communities, as well as improving relationships with local support organisations.

For Carers First, the project will create an expanded support network and an increased awareness of the needs of carers, as well as stronger referral pathways.

Freemason Golfers give St Barnabas Hospice a £5,000 boost

Stuart Pearcey
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Freemason Golfers give St Barnabas Hospice a £5,000 boost
Lincolnshire’s golfing Freemasons have given St Barnabas Hospice £5,000 – enough to fund 250 hours of in-home care, or more than 50 hours of doctor’s care to balance medications for individual patients, or two syringe drivers. The money was raised at the Lincolnshire Freemasons’ Golfing Association centenary match played at the Seacroft course in Skegness. It topped up the Association’s charity fundraising efforts over its 100-year life to £50,000, all of which was given to good causes in Lincolnshire. This year running the Hospice will cost £14m, half of which must be raised by the Hospice itself. Receiving the cheque from the golfers Caroline Swindin said: “The Hospice is working through a five-year recovery and growth plan. Funding is a challenge; we were hoping to receive a 2% increase this year, but we actually got just 0.6%. Added to that we are dealing with more complex cases, with complications caused by people suffering long Covid.” She added: ” All donations are gratefully received, and will help us to continue delivering care not only in the in-patient unit in Lincoln, but also at Wellbeing Centres in Grantham, Louth, Boston, Gainsborough, and Spalding, and through our ‘Hospice at Home’ service, through which staff visit patients in the own homes.”

Communities share in a further £270,000 funding round

Stuart Pearcey
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Communities share in a further £270,000 funding round
Community projects, sports clubs, parish councils, and village halls have been given a share in £270,000 through Lincolnshire Community Foundation’s Grassroots scheme. The scheme has been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), distributed by East Lindsey District Council, and aims to support projects in bringing people together through many methods, including improving facilities and boosting volunteering opportunities. In this round, a total of £272,656 has been distributed among: East Barkwith PCC – Significant capital works, with substantial match funding, including a new servery and toilet facilities. High Toynton PCC – Refurbishment of toilet, small kitchen and storage within the Church. This compliments the previous £12,000 grant given to the PCC made under UKSPF and significant co-investment from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Woodhall Spa Cottage Museum – Provision of craft events and materials for community events and resources to re-open the tourist and heritage information hub for the local community. Furthermore, support will be offered to improve safety measures at the site and increase the availability of the site to visitors and residents alike. Alford Squash Club – Replacement of wooden court floors and upgrading of court walls. Authorpe Village Hall – Making the village hall more accessible, replacing fire doors and fitting a disabled toilet. Wainfleet Methodist Church and Community Centre – New kitchen fitted, commercial equipment including dishwasher, fridge and hot holding cupboard. Coningsby Community Hall – Complete refurbishment of ladies’ toilets/cloakroom. Spilsby Christian Fellowship – Installation of a new suspended ceiling and ramp access to front and rear of building. Evergreens Miniature Railway – Making the railway more accessible through renovating the station, allowing more local miniature railway enthusiasts to access the provision. Burgh Le Marsh Town Council – Restoration of historic features within the town, including heritage railings, the replacement of the Tinkers Green entrance gates and new sheltered seating. Carrington Village Hall – Replacement of village hall’s flat roof. Binbrook Parish Council – Renovations to green spaces and improvements to encourage physical activity for residents, including exercise equipment and play equipment for young people. JB’s Community Outreach – A programme of sports events for children and young people, including football and netball. Welton Le Marsh Village Hall – Funds to support the renovation of the Village Hall, including renovation of toilet facilities. Winthorpe Community Partnership – Capital renovations to a local facility as well as services to support young people in the local area. The Storehouse, Skegness – Replacement of doors and front windows. Grimoldby Football Club – Equipment to support the local football team and to expand engagement with football in the local area. Councillor Steve Kirk, portfolio holder for the coastal economy, and Councillor Adam Grist, portfolio holder for market towns and the rural economy, said: “We are thrilled to see so many of the district’s community initiatives receiving funding from this popular UKSPF funded scheme, as the number of projects supported surpasses 50, drawn from across our district. “Substantial investment has been made in play equipment and support for young people, including through sport and youth work, as well as improvements to green spaces and community facilities throughout East Lindsey. “This is a substantial down-payment on the future of our rural communities, which we have further sustained through an additional investment of £250,000 made in the GRASSroots scheme by East Lindsey District Council through our Community Reserve Fund. “This means the fund can stay open for longer and can continue to make a difference for more local communities. “Each award will have a huge impact to each project and the communities they support – and we look forward to seeing the results. “There is still funding available for projects who have not yet applied, so we would encourage those groups to get in touch with the Lincolnshire Community Foundation to find out more.” The GRASSroots scheme has already awarded over £750,000 of funding to 57 projects across the district. When combined with the additional match funding contributed by applicants and third-party funders, over £1.1m of funding has been provided to parish councils, village halls and community projects directly, leveraged by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund in East Lindsey District.

Lincoln’s London Camera Exchange welcomes new models from CANON with pre-order deal

Tess Egginton
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Lincoln’s London Camera Exchange welcomes new models from CANON with pre-order deal
Lincoln’s London Camera Exchange is preparing to offer the recently annouced new models from CANON, with a half price Lexor 128GB CF Express card when bought as part of a pre-order. The CANON EOS R5 Mark II & EOS R1 can be pre-ordered now, for those ready to be among the first to own one of the new flagship models. CANON has revealed full specifications for the highly anticipated flagship EOS R1 and an exciting release with the EOS R5 Mark II. Both cameras feature stacked full-frame sensors, high-resolution RAW internal video recording, fast continuous burst shooting, a new DIGIC Accelerator, and Action Priority mode. Ideal for sports, news, and action photographers aiming to capture career-defining moments, the EOS R1 helps you get ahead and redefine your photographic potential with speed, precision, and advanced technology. For photographers and filmmakers across all genres – from wildlife and reportage to portrait photography, filmmaking, interviews, and documentaries – the EOS R5 Mark II empowers you to create your most innovative work yet. To pre-order visit: https://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Promotion/Canon+EOS+R+Launch_2447.html

Charity Ball raises over £5,000 for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance

Tess Egginton
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Charity Ball raises over £5,000 for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance
A huge thank you has been given to Michelle, Amber and Sarah for holding a charity ball at the Bentley Hotel, Lincoln, in memory of Michelle’s son Connor, and raising over £5,000 for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance. Connor sadly passed away in 2022 after being involved in a road traffic incident near Doddington, Lincoln. Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance were called but despite the efforts of the crew to save his life, his injuries were too serious. Since Connor’s passing Michelle and her friends have vowed to raise money for LNAA, knowing that every penny they donate could help save lives. To date, Michelle and family and friends have raised £11,774.60, which has funded the cost of three missions. And they have their sights set on next year’s fundraiser already!

Lincolnshire fat-fighting footballers raise funds for charity

Tess Egginton
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Lincolnshire fat-fighting footballers raise funds for charity
Men in Scunthorpe and Boston participating in an FA-accredited football-based weight loss programme have continued their charitable fundraising efforts by raising £2,000 between them to support charities close their clubs. The men at the MAN v FAT Scunthorpe club staged an eleven-a-side match to raise money for the Huntington’s Disease Association, an illness that has affected a close family member of fellow player Matthew Gibson. Huntington’s disease is an inherited condition that stops parts of the brain working properly over time. The charity offers support and advice to those with Huntington’s disease as well as their families, carers, and healthcare professionals. This was the sixth or seventh match organised by the club in the last 15 months, during which time the players have raised close to £7,000 for various good causes, both local and national. “Gibbo, as we know him, asked if we could arrange a game to raise some money as this is so personal to him,” explains Jamie Hannath, coach of the MAN v FAT Scunthorpe club. “We have managed to grow our 11-a-side team and we now also have a development team. We had about 20 players per team, which means everybody gets a run out. We ask each to donate a minimum of £5 or as much as they wish, we had a local FA referee who gave his time for nothing and so, once we’ve paid for the pitch, the rest is for the charity. “We also do a raffle for some hampers and similar and that raises an extra few hundred pounds. The fact that it is one of our guys whose family is dealing with this goes right to the heart of the community aspect of MAN v FAT.” The men at the MAN v FAT Boston club staged an eleven-a-side match to raise money for Coningsby Helping Hands, a charity that supports disabled, sick and elderly people in Coningsby and Tattershall. The charity’s chair, Debbie Money, is the mother of MAN v FAT Boston coach, Chris Money. The club organised an 11-a-side match, in which nearly 40 players took part, with each asked to make a small donation to the charity. “As a club we try to do a lot of different things for different charities. Each year, we pick a charity to support, and they become the focus of our fundraising efforts. We’re in the process of planning a 24-hour Darts Challenge as our next event.” MAN v FAT Football currently has 8,200 players taking part in more than 150 leagues across the UK. The total amount of weight lost by MAN v FAT players in the UK currently stands at more than 650,000 pounds. It is aimed at men with a BMI of higher than 27.5. Before matches, the players are weighed, which is followed by a 30-minute game of six-a-side, with extra goal bonuses awarded to teams based on the amount of weight players have lost. Players receive additional support including healthy meal recipe ideas and tips on general fitness. And the MAN v FAT clubs in both Scunthorpe and Boston continue to grow. “Every member of every MAN v FAT club up and down the country will say they’ve got a special bond with their lads, and we’re just the same. We have just gone from six teams to eight teams in the club and have about 80 lads registered with us. We have a great little community and excellent rapport with other local MAN v FAT clubs, like those in Lincoln, Boston and Hull,” says Jamie Hannath from Scunthorpe. And the commitment to good causes goes on: “We’re hopefully going to run an eight team seven-a-side tournament with the Hull MAN v FAT club to raise money to support our head coach Dave Bell and his nephews, who will be climbing Ben Nevis to raise funds for The Royal Marsden Hospital following the death of Dave’s sister earlier this year. It gives everybody a sense of purpose, and everybody loves to do something good.” “The Boston club is also going from strength to strength,” continues Chris Money from Boston. “We started with just one team and have grown from there. We also started a social team to give everybody the chance to play 11-a-side football again, whether you’ve not played for 20 or 30 years, we’re giving people the confidence to kick a football again. It doesn’t matter about ability. It just gets out of the house, to forget about what’s going on off the pitch and have 90 minutes enjoying what people enjoy.” The Boston club meets on Friday evenings at The Jakemans Community Stadium on Pilgrim Way. The Scunthorpe club meets on Tuesday evenings at Frederick Gough School on Grange Lane.

Council remains committed to exploring cinema for Sleaford

Tess Egginton
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Council remains committed to exploring cinema for Sleaford
North Kesteven District Council is continuing to explore opportunities to invest in a refreshed vision for the Heart of Sleaford, centred on renewed aspirations to deliver a new cinema in the town. Options are currently under consideration as it continues to engage in discussions around the potential for a cinema to sit within a broader vision of regeneration. Council Leader Cllr Richard Wright said the economic position of such a project had changed enormously over the five years since the previous £4m proposals were outlined, but which the Covid pandemic put an end to. “The realisation of a cinema remains a key objective within both the Sleaford Masterplan and the Council’s investment aspirations. Given the volume and nature of many public comments regretting – as I do – that it has not happened yet, but still calling for a cinema to be a part of that vision, I am reassured that we continue to be doing the right thing by exploring opportunities to bring one to fruition,” he said. Options for the Heart of Sleaford, with proposals, will be developed in consultation with key stakeholders and the community, building on extensive engagement to date in the progressive development of masterplan options. “I hope that we will be able to advance these during the current financial year,” said Cllr Wright. “While I realise many people are frustrated that we’ve not used any of the recent £3.2m Government funding for Sleaford and the wider District to bring a cinema forward, we did explore it and included its feasibility in our initial proposals. But it proved impossible given the time constraints on spending the money by March 2025 and the negotiation needed to ensure everything is in place to secure the best solution for the town. “Even if timings weren’t an issue, the nature of the funding meant that very little of it could have been spent on an actual building in this case but, as I say, our enthusiasm to bring a solution forward is unchanged.”   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Mr. Music

World’s smallest heart pump to help to save Lincolnshire lives

Tess Egginton
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World’s smallest heart pump to help to save Lincolnshire lives
The Lincolnshire Heart Centre is among the first non-surgical centres in the country to use a new life-saving device to assist with the heart function during complex procedures to treat narrowings in the arteries of the heart. The Impella device is the world’s smallest heart pump that allows the heart to rest and recover by temporarily assisting the pumping function of the heart to efficiently deliver blood and oxygen to the entire body during procedures. The device has been used in some cardiac surgical centres around the country, but the centre at Lincoln County Hospital is among the first non-surgical heart centres to start using the device. The first procedure was performed by the team in one of the high-tech cath labs at Lincoln County Hospital on Wednesday 19 June. They were supported by Consultant Interventional Cardiologist Dr Sohail Q Khan from University Hospitals Birmingham, who has fitted the device before, and Ollie Goss, who provided technical support from Abiomed – the company that have created the device. 83-year-old Dennis Hauton from North Somercotes says he feels privileged to be the first patient to receive the device and believes his procedure will give him a new lease of life. Mr Hauton needed to have percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), commonly known as a coronary angioplasty or stent. This is a procedure used to treat the narrowed or obstructed coronary arteries of the heart found in coronary heart disease that can cause angina or heart attacks. Without the use of the Impella device this procedure would have been too high a risk to be performed. Mr Hauton, a retired continental coach driver, said: “18 months ago I went for a routine check-up and mentioned that I occasionally get out of breath. After lots of tests I knew that I needed to have the procedure, but I also knew that I needed an extra piece of kit to be available for it to happen. “The whole team have been absolutely brilliant. I feel privileged and proud to be the first patient at the heart centre to use one of the new devices.” Mr Hauton says he is looking forward to being able to be a bit more active. He said: “I used to walk up to the village shop every day to get my newspaper, but noticed that it was getting harder and harder to do. Eventually I had to start driving up, but now I will be able to run to the shop or at least a brisk walk. “This will give me a new lease of life and I will always be so grateful to the team for all they have done for me.” Consultant Cardiologist Vinod Venugopal and Consultant Cardiologist Juan Fernandez are part of the Lincolnshire Heart Centre Team and worked together to perform the procedure. Dr Fernandez said: “Today is a momentous day. We have wanted to offer these procedures to our patients from across the county with complex conditions for some time. “An enormous amount of work has taken place behind the scenes to make today possible. There has been a real buzz in the centre and we had more colleagues in the cath lab during the procedure as it is also a brilliant training opportunity. “Most patients having a coronary angioplasty will not need an Impella device, but for more serious and complex cases it really will help us to save lives.” Dr Venugopal added: “Mr Hauton’s procedure lasted around three hours and the device did take over the function of the heart for a period of time. “The device did exactly what we needed it to. It took the pressure off of his heart during the procedure which meant we were able to complete everything that we needed to in a thorough manner and will really help with his ongoing recovery. “The most rewarding part for everyone involved is seeing Mr Hauton sitting up, smiling and chatting with the team.”   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/smolaw11

From bricks to clicks – transitioning East Midlands businesses online

Tess Egginton
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From bricks to clicks – transitioning East Midlands businesses online
The business scene in the East Midlands is vibrant and diverse, with a rich history of traditional shops and local enterprises. However, the rise of e-commerce has created a new frontier for these businesses. Transitioning from physical stores to online platforms presents both challenges and opportunities. Keen to make the shift? Here’s a guide to help East Midlands businesses make this shift successfully. Recognising the Need for Change The transition to online shopping is undeniable. Consumers increasingly prefer the convenience of browsing and purchasing from the comfort of their homes. For businesses in the East Midlands, embracing this change is crucial to staying competitive. The first step is recognising the importance of an online presence. It’s not just about having a website; it’s about creating an engaging and user-friendly experience that reflects the unique character of your business. Building a User-Friendly Website A website serves as the digital storefront. It should be attractive, easy to navigate, and reflective of your brand’s identity. Here are some key elements to consider: Design and Navigation The design should be clean and intuitive. Users should be able to find what they’re looking for without frustration. Simple menus, clear categories, and a search function can significantly enhance the user experience. Mobile Optimisation More people are shopping on their phones than ever before. Ensure your website is mobile-friendly. This means it should look and function well on smaller screens, with buttons that are easy to click and text that’s readable without zooming in. Speed and Performance A slow website can deter potential customers. Invest in good hosting services and optimise images and other media to ensure your site loads quickly. Creating Quality Content Content reigns supreme in the digital realm. High-quality, relevant content can attract visitors and keep them engaged. Here are some different types of content to consider:
  1. Product Descriptions – Detailed and engaging product descriptions help customers understand what they’re buying. Include all necessary information, such as dimensions, materials, and care instructions, and try to capture the essence of your products in a way that resonates with your target audience.
  2. Blog Posts – A blog can be a powerful tool to connect with customers. Share stories about your business, industry news, and tips related to your products. This not only builds a connection with your audience but also helps with search engine optimisation (SEO).
  3. Visual Content – High-quality images and videos can significantly enhance your website. Show your products from multiple angles, and consider using videos to demonstrate their features and benefits.
Embracing E-Commerce Platforms Setting up an e-commerce store doesn’t have to be complicated. Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce offer user-friendly solutions for businesses of all sizes. These platforms handle many technical aspects, allowing you to focus on what you do best—running your business. Choose a platform that suits your needs and budget, and take advantage of the support and resources they offer. Optimising for Search Engines SEO is crucial for driving organic traffic to your website. It involves optimising your site and content to rank higher in search engine results. Here are some basic SEO tips:
  1. Keywords – Identify keywords that are relevant to your business and incorporate them naturally into your content. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to find popular search terms related to your products.
  2. Meta Descriptions – Write compelling meta descriptions for each page on your website. These short descriptions appear in search results and can influence whether someone clicks on your link.
  3. Backlinks – Earn backlinks from reputable websites to boost your site’s authority. This can be achieved through guest blogging, partnerships, and high-quality content that others want to share.
For those looking to elevate their online presence further, this e-commerce SEO agency can provide expert guidance. They specialise in helping businesses optimise their online shops, making it easier for potential customers to find them. Leveraging Social Media Social media is a powerful tool for driving traffic to your website and engaging with customers. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow you to showcase your products, share updates, and interact with your audience in real-time. Here are some tips for effective social media use:
  1. Consistency – Post regularly to keep your audience engaged. Consistency helps build a loyal following and keeps your brand top of mind.
  2. Engagement – Respond to comments and messages promptly. Show your customers that you value their input and are willing to engage in conversations.
  3. Advertising – Social media platforms offer targeted advertising options that can help you reach a broader audience. Even a small budget can make a significant impact if used wisely.
Providing Excellent Customer Service Great customer service is just as important online as it is in a physical store. Make it easy for customers to contact you and respond to any inquiries quickly and professionally. Think about adding a live chat feature to your website to provide instant support; after all, positive customer experiences can lead to repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals. Final Thoughts Transitioning from bricks to clicks is a significant step for any business. By building a user-friendly website, creating quality content, leveraging social media, optimising for search engines, and providing excellent customer service, East Midlands businesses can thrive online. Relish the change, stay adaptable, and watch your business grow in the digital marketplace.

West Lindsey launches crimefighters campaign in Gainsborough

Stuart Pearcey
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West Lindsey launches crimefighters campaign in Gainsborough
Crimestoppers and West Lindsey District Council have launched a new campaign in Gainsborough appealing for communities to unite in taking a stand against crime by speaking up anonymously. Information given to Crimestoppers about crime across Lincolnshire has increased by 12% over the last year. This shows more people are putting trust in our charity. The charity, which is independent of the police, is working with West Lindsey District Council to make local people aware of our promise of 100% anonymity when taking and passing on crime information. Over the coming weeks, the focus will be on specific areas of the town. Additional lamp post signs are being placed in prominent areas and there will also be an extensive social media campaign targeting various age groups. Crimestoppers can be contacted in over 140 different languages via our website, and for those that call us, if required, a translator can be on the other end of the line within a couple of minutes. This service is a key factor for the residents of Gainsborough, as the most common languages spoken in the area after English are Eastern European. Lydia Patsalides, Crimestoppers East Midlands Regional Manager, said: “I feel it’s important that the people of Gainsborough know they have a voice to be able to speak up completely anonymously about their concerns on crime in their community. “Some people know about crime but feel they don’t have anywhere or anyone to turn to. Please remember that the charity Crimestoppers is here to help. We do not judge or take any personal details from those that contact us. All we want is the information you have. You will remain 100% anonymous. Always. “Since the charity began in the 1980s, we have always kept our promise of anonymity to everyone who contacts us.” West Lindsey District Councillor Jeanette McGhee, a ward member on the South West ward of Gainsborough, said: “As councillors, we often hear people say that crime is taking place, but they have not reported it because they are worried they will be identified and targeted. “To make a real difference to the places where we live and work, we need to take action now and that is why I am pleased to see the launch of the Gainsborough Crimestoppers campaign. “It is important that we make reporting crime as simple and easy for everyone to do and making that completely anonymous is crucial if we want to get a real understanding of the issues in the area. It will also help us to liaise with partners and help us find solutions to some of the problems that specific areas are facing. “Our campaign will also target young people aged 13-17, encouraging them to report crime in the town over the coming months.”
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