Long-established Yorkshire and Lincolnshire builders’ merchant placed in administration
Builders’ Merchant Company, a builders’ merchant retailer business with outlets in Rotherham, Hull, Goole and Scunthorpe, has fallen into administration.
The company, which was headquartered in Scunthorpe, was the subject of a winding up petition last month. On 9 October Andrew Mackenzie and Laura Baxter of Begbies Traynor were appointed joint administrators after attempts to sell Builders’ Merchant Company through the accelerated mergers and acquisitions (AMA) process failed to secure a buyer.
All 26 employees of the business have been made redundant and the joint administrators are hoping to sell the freehold property and assets of the business.
Founded in Scunthorpe in 1928, Builders’ Merchant Company was the largest independent timber and building supplies supplier in Lincolnshire. Between 2016 and 2019 the business opened branches in Hull, Rotherham and Goole.
Joint administrator Andrew Mackenzie, of Begbies Traynor, said: “Unfortunately the construction industry continues to face extremely challenging conditions and the knock-on effect of that is being felt by suppliers including Builders’ Merchant Company. We are now working hard to maximise the value of the company’s assets and ensure the best possible return for creditors.”
Image: Andrew Mackenzie of Begbies Traynor
Cosy up with Burning Sensation’s special offer in Grimsby
With over 30 years of excellence in the fireplace industry, Grimsby’s Burning Sensation is helping you snuggle up as the temperature drops with new seasonal offers.
Kohlangaz’s Delamere Plus Gas Fire is on special offer, with its signature fascia, coal fuel effect, and high-level slide control. It has a fabulous 4.2kW heat output and, while normally £925, is currently available for an amazing price of just £699 (excluding fitting).
Find the fireplace on live display in the Burning Sensation showroom on Armstrong Street, open Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4pm, and Saturday, 11am to 3pm.
To learn more about Burning Sensation, visit www.burningsensation.co.uk
£3.5m awarded to support project at Weelsby Hall
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded Linkage Community Trust a £3,515,000 Heritage Enterprise grant for its Weelsby estate project to provide an inclusive and sustainable future for the Hall.
This will preserve the Victorian mansion house for the public to enjoy, expand provision for care training, sensory facilities and develop much needed new accommodation for young people with learning disabilities and neurodiversity.
Weelsby Hall was built in 1890 as the country seat for the cockle-picker turned fishing magnate George Sleight. The grand house showcases exceptional craftsmanship and has links to Grimsby’s historic docks, the Kasbah.
Linkage leased Weelsby Hall from the Sleight family from 1982 and later purchased the estate. The historic buildings are no longer accessible or fit-for-purpose, needing significant repair and refurbishment. The project aims to restore the buildings and develop the 12-acre grounds with wildlife boxes, a sensory trail, and bee-friendly plants.
The public will be able to visit during and after the construction, learn more about the Sleight family in the grand entrance foyer and enjoy activities in the grounds.
Linkage CEO, Valerie Waby, described the impact of the award for the charity. “This funding will not only help us enhance and restore these vital historic buildings but will create new job opportunities in our area.
“This is a huge step forward in improving the Weelsby Estate, the local economy and creating opportunities to elevate the quality of life for eight young people through the opening of a new residential care home. Linkage is indebted to National Lottery players and to the Heritage Fund for making this grant possible.”
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It is fantastic news that we’re supporting Weelsby Hall in Grimsby to ensure a long and sustainable future. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players and the dedication of Linkage, the project will restore and renovate Weelsby Hall estate, improving accessibility and creating opportunities for the local community.”
Once the works are complete, the Hall will be used as a care training hub with sensory facilities and offices. It will be fully accessible with ramps and a lift, and solar panels will be installed on the roof. The former stables will be converted into a residential care home for eight young people who live with learning disabilities and neurodiversity, and create 37 new jobs.
The Friends of Weelsby Hall volunteer group will have their own space in the former estate office. Volunteer Dave Smith has been researching the history of the hall and provides guided tours to the public on Heritage Open days.
He said: “Weelsby Hall has long been hidden from public view. The funding will enable the preservation of this important and rare remnant of our local heritage, making it more accessible.”
Linkage have enjoyed the support of North East Lincolnshire Council for the Weelsby development. Cllr Hayden Dawkins, who is Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy, said: “Over the last few years, we’ve really been working with organisations to protect and restore our heritage across the borough, providing opportunities to enrich the lives of our local communities.
“News of this significant grant is great, both for Linkage, the people they support and the wider community. Linkage provide essential services for some of our residents, and to be able to enhance this within a fantastic heritage setting is really excellent work.”
Image credit: Linkage Community Trust
National Civil War Centre wins Family Friendly Museum award
The National Civil War Centre in Newark has won Best Small Museum at the prestigious Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Awards 2024.
Learning and Participation Manager Denise Greany, along with Learning and Participation Officers Donna Hall and Lucy Armstrong, were presented with the award at a ceremony held at Craven Museum in Skipton, last year’s overall winner, on Tuesday 8 October.
Run by charity Kids in Museums and made possible by funding from Arts Council England, the national award celebrates museums, galleries, historic homes or heritage sites in the UK that go the extra mile to provide a great experience for families.
Since it launched in 2004, the award has become a benchmark for excellence in the heritage sector. Each year, Kids in Museums receives hundreds of public nominations, which are whittled down to a shortlist by an expert panel. The final say goes to families, who visit each shortlisted museum over the summer holidays, and decide the winners.
Competing against four other museums in the Best Small Museum category, the National Civil War Centre clinched the win with family judges remarking on the Centre’s wide range of interactive activities that engaged children of different ages, including dressing up, board games, and tech-based exhibits.
The Playhem summer activities featuring large building blocks to play with were a favourite among younger children. Parents also valued the welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff, with children encouraged to freely explore without needing to stay quiet.
One family judge said: “We visit a lot of museums as a family, and out of everywhere, this has had the most activities that my five-year-old has proactively engaged with… we easily spent two and a half hours there.”
Another said: “We would definitely return as a family and take part in other special events which all sounded interesting and engaging… plenty for children to do, including games, activities, trails, dressing up… the icing on the cake for my child were the Playhem blocks, which were an inspired idea.”
The National Civil War Centre now offers free entry to local residents in Newark and Sherwood and hosts a huge variety of events throughout the year. Next on the calendar is November’s Family Saturday which will offer visitors the chance to make their own spooky shadow puppets and magic wand.
On Saturday 2nd November, families can join in with these dark arts-themed crafts and enjoy gallery tours inspired by 17th century beliefs about magic
Carys Coulton-Jones, Business Manager for Heritage and Culture at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Myself and the rest of my team want to send a huge thank you to the families who nominated us and chose us as the winners as well as every family who has visited the Centre this year to enjoy Playhem in summer, our Family Saturdays every month, our regular Thursday Mini Museum sessions, all of our other events and just to explore, learn and play in our galleries.
“I am enormously proud of the passion and creativity of our team who continue to excel, offering fun and fascination to visitors of every age and ability. They regularly astound me with their ability to make every subject accessible, interesting and engaging for everyone and I’m so happy that this has been recognised on a national level with such a meaningful award.”
Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts at the District Council, said: “Making history and culture accessible and even playful is so important. The National Civil War Centre welcomes families and children through their doors at a young age, ensuring that they see the Centre as a safe place for fun and creativity.
“I am very proud that this award-winning team are breaking down the barriers that prevent many people from stepping into museums because of memories and experiences they had of unfriendly places as a child. Our museum is welcoming and friendly which sets up the best possible relationship for lifelong enjoyment and involvement in culture, heritage, and art.
“I’m delighted to hear that their wonderful work has been rewarded and encourage any local families who haven’t yet visited to come along and find out why.”
The other winners at the Family Friendly Museum Awards 2024, were the Young V&A, London for Best Large Museum and Overall Winner; the Turner Contemporary in Margate for Best Medium Museum; The Cooper Gallery, Barnsley for Best Accessible Museum; and Tees Valley Museums for Best Museum Youth Group.
Free security packs to help fight crime and reduce fear
Burglary victims and their neighbours in Town and Crosby & Park wards of Scunthorpe are to receive new security packs as a part of the Safer Streets 5 project.
The 1,500 home and vehicle security packs contain items such as video doorbells, gate alarms, motion-sensitive security lights, vibration alarms and plug timers.
People who have suffered a burglary will receive a ‘gold’ security pack, their immediate neighbours will get ‘silver’ packs and properties within the area will get ‘bronze’ packs.
Vehicle packs will be given directly to victims of crime and distributed at local events.
Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for community wellbeing (urban), said: “These packs can help reduce the fear of crime and help victims feel less vulnerable in their own homes.
“It will also deter criminals from committing these crimes, which will lead to greater resilience across the whole neighbourhood.”
The packs have been developed by the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) and funded through the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Jonathan Evison, who said: “I am really pleased to see the launch of 1,500 home security kits being distributed across the town.
“Residents deserve to feel safe in their homes and these crime prevention products help improve those feelings of safety, as well as deterring potential criminals.
“I look forward to seeing this project progress.”
Safer Neighbourhoods and Humberside Police Neighbourhood Policing Team will deliver the packs and give advice and support.
Victims will be offered referrals to Victim Support, advocacy services, the Ongo communities team, Neighbourhood Watch, the Restorative Justice Council and local community groups.
Superintendent Gary Foster, of Humberside Police, said: “The Safer Streets 5 initiative continues to support local residents in North Lincolnshire through our successful Community Safety Partnership.
“Residents who suffer a crime, are identified as vulnerable or live in an area where acquisitive crime has taken place can receive security products, including video doorbells, alarms and locks.
“We will continue to relentlessly pursue offenders, and the kit and equipment being distributed via Safer Streets 5, like the doorbells, will provide us with additional evidence to secure convictions.”
The CSP includes North Lincolnshire Council, Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue, Ongo, the National Probation Service, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB (Integrated Care Board) and the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner.
Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council
Zara probes ‘mystery in a bottle’ of Cleethorpes discovery
The mystery surrounding a liquid-filled bottle discovered in Cleethorpes is being probed by University of Lincoln conservation student Zara Yeates.
She’s taken on the examination of the unique find as part of her University course, and is excited about unlocking the mystery of the origins of the bottle, and how it came to be hidden for workers to find as they hand dug foundations behind 35-37 Seaview Street.
Renovation of the property is part of the National Lottery Heritage Townscape Heritage project. During the early works to the property, excavations were being carried out at the rear of the building in preparation for building foundations of a new extension. Workers had to excavate an area by hand as it was too tight for a small digger to work in.
The bottle was retrieved from the property during a visit to the site by Carol Heidschuster, the TH project manager.
Zara said: “The mystery of the item when you first get it is what I really like, and the rarity of the bottle makes this project even better.
“You seldom see a bottle with liquid in it, never mind one with this much in. I’m relishing the opportunity to find out as much as I can about this unique object.”
Zara will be working on the bottle during her first term with the hopes of discovering what the liquid is and where the bottle came from.
Council ploughs on with relief road plans in spite of funding threat
Amidst uncertainty around Government funding for its North Hykeham Relief Road project, Lincolnshire County Council has published the legal orders for the final piece of Lincoln’s ring road.
These are the documents giving the council the powers it needs to acquire the land the project needs, and to make changes to the road network.
Cllr Richard Davies, Executive Member for Highways, said: “Despite uncertainty around Central Government’s £110 million in funding for the North Hykeham Relief Road project, we’re ploughing ahead as planned to ensure we remain on track for starting the works late next year if and when Westminster confirms their funding promise this autumn.
“The objection period for the orders is now under way until late November. Following that, we hope to hear from the DfT by late December about whether a public inquiry will be needed for the scheme. But rest assured that, because this is such a massive project that affects so many people, we’ve programmed an inquiry into our timeline. That means we’d still be able to break ground by the end of 2025 if we need one.”
Building of the new relief road is expected to start late next year in readiness for opening in late 2028. late 2028, at an expected cost of between £180m and £208m.
The North Hykeham Relief Road project will see a new dual carriageway built, linking the A46 Pennells Roundabout to the newly constructed Lincoln Eastern Bypass, creating a complete ring road around the city.
As part of the project, new roundabouts would be built at South Hykeham Road, Brant Road and Grantham Road. A number of bridges would also be created, including at Station Road and over the River Witham.
Ruckland Court Care Home sponsor Age UK Starlight Ball
Ruckland Court Care Home in Ermine, North Lincoln, proudly sponsored the welcome drinks at this year’s Age UK Starlight Ball, hosted at the White Hart Hotel in Lincoln. The event brought together local supporters to raise funds for Age UK’s vital work with older adults.
As guests arrived, they were welcomed with sparkling drinks, courtesy of Ruckland Court, setting the stage for a night of celebration. The White Hart Hotel, with its timeless charm, provided a fitting backdrop for the evening. After a three-course meal, guests danced the night away, all in support of Age UK’s essential services.
Adam Atkin, Home Manager at Ruckland Court, commented on the sponsorship.
“We were thrilled to support the Starlight Ball and partner with Age UK. It was a great opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause and back the incredible work Age UK does in our community.”
Funds raised from the event will go towards Age UK’s “I Forget” dementia service, which offers critical support to those living with dementia and their families. This service is part of Age UK Lincoln & South Lincolnshire’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for older adults.
Ruckland Court Care Home provides personalised residential, dementia, and respite care and welcomes their local community to join them every Wednesday from 10am – 12pm to enjoy homemade cakes and refreshments at their Coffee Morning.
For more information about Ruckland Court Care Home, please contact Adam Atkin, Home Manager on 01522 530 217 or email careenquiries@countrycourtcare.com
Picture: Sharna from Age UK. Image courtesy of Age UK
Countdown begins for Christmas at Belton
The one-month countdown is on for Christmas at Belton, with the highly anticipated illuminated trail set to return from 22nd November to 1st January.
This year’s event promises to sparkle brighter than ever, with a host of new and breathtaking light artworks ready to enchant visitors of all ages.
For 2024, the trail will feature several dazzling new installations.
Among the highlights is Triangulate by ArtAV, an immersive 31-metre-long display made up of 16 multi-coloured bays. This captivating installation is designed to envelop visitors in a spectacular wash of light and colour, creating an unforgettable sensory experience.
Also debuting is Feast of Light by Squidsoup, an immersive walkthrough made of thousands of suspended points of light that evoke movement and presence.
Squidsoup, known for its stunning interactive displays at venues like Burning Man and the Sydney Opera House, brings its signature blend of technology and art to create a magical and otherworldly atmosphere.
Visitors can also look forward to Supernova by Studio Vertigo, a three-metre-tall polished sculpture inspired by the mythical Star of the East.
Emitting haze and projecting swirling galaxy patterns, Supernova promises to mesmerise with its cosmic display.
These new additions join the beloved features of Belton’s illuminated trail, including the meadow of light, neon string flowers, floating candles, and batons of rainbow-coloured light.
As visitors stroll through this winter wonderland, they’ll be immersed in a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds, making memories to last a lifetime.
Matthew Findlay, Head of UK Trails for Sony Music, said: “We’re thrilled to bring back Christmas at Belton for 2024 with an incredible lineup of new artistic innovations. Last year’s feedback was fantastic, but we’re pushing to make this year’s trail the ultimate festive experience for the whole family.”
As the countdown begins, families are encouraged to book early and get ready for a magical journey through the lights—and perhaps even catch a glimpse of Father Christmas himself!
For more information and to book tickets, visit www.mychristmastrails.co.uk/events/christmas-at-belton
Image: Supernova by Studio Vertigo
6,000 years of West Deeping heritage unearthed
An archaeological dig of a quarry in West Deeping has uncovered evidence of settlement and agriculture use spanning 6,000 years.
Investigations of the Cemex West Deeping Quarry have been underway since the 1990s when aerial photography, geophysical surveys and field walking indicated the site would contain archeological features of interest.
After confirming the site’s potential, a team of archeologists from the Cambridge Archaeological Unit began their excavation of the 55 hectares site in 2007, before gravel extraction started ten years later.
Evidence from the Neolithic period right up to modern times has been found, including quarry pits, burials containing military issue metal ornaments and large stone-lined postholes from major building activity.
Elsewhere on the site, there are features from the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and the Romano-British, Early Medieval and post-Medieval periods.
As gravel extraction nears completion, a West Deeping Heritage Archaeology Day will take place on Saturday 19th October with an exhibition and talk.
Maggie Ashcroft, Founder and Chair of the West Deeping Heritage Group, said: “For West Deeping’s 21st Century residents and visitors, it is not just a historic day, but a pre-historic day.
“It is a real privilege to be able to see some of the archaeologists’ finds before they go into storage and to hear about their discoveries before the final report is even published.
“It’s a unique opportunity to find out about the most ancient part of West Deeping’s heritage and we are delighted to host the day. We’re extremely grateful to the Cambridge Archaeological Unit and Cemex UK for making it possible.”
An exhibition of some of the finds will run from 1pm until 5pm in the West Deeping Village Hall on Saturday 19th October.
Information boards and archaeologists will be on hand to explain what these discoveries reveal about the earliest inhabitants of the village.
A later talk titled ‘6000 years of life and death at West Deeping’ will be delivered by Hannah Barrett, a Project Officer for the Cambridge Archaeological Unit at 6.30pm for a 7pm start.
Cllr Ashley Baxter, Leader of South Kesteven District Council and ward member for Market and West Deeping, said: “This is an incredible opportunity to learn more about West Deeping’s rich history and explore the many artefacts which have been unearthed over the course of the dig.
“It will be a very interesting day, learning about what has been found and hearing from those closely involved in the project.”
Tickets are priced at £3 each and available in advance by contacting Maggie Ashcroft via email at wdheritage@hotmail.co.uk or via text on 07808 585189.
Image credit: South Kesteven District Council
