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.”
Scunthorpe to welcome Wonderful Wednesdays
Summer activities for families will be taking place every Wednesday in Scunthorpe town centre throughout the holidays.
Each week has a different theme, and starts off with a free breakfast at Scunthorpe Central library between 9.30am and 11am with the Breakfast and Books session, where you can join in with the Summer Reading Challenge – Marvellous Makers.
Outdoor performances will be taking place in the town centre from 1pm – 4pm, weather permitting.
Wilderness Week (24 July 2024), will see the Dancing Tiger Scrap Store building cardboard tents for youngsters to decorate and create their own dens and shelters.
Rhubarb Theatre will also be diving into a dustbin that refuses rubbish and discovering that one person’s rubbish is another person’s treasure.
The council’s youth engagement bus will be around the High Street, with casual drop in sessions of games and activities for children and teens.
Further sessions include:
- Sports & Health – 31 July 2024
- Art and Play – 7 August 2024
- Theatre – 14 August 2024
- Staying Safe – 21 August 2024
- World Music and Dance – 28 August 2024
New Chair for Boston Town Board
Joanna Brigham has been announced as the new Chair of Boston Town Board.
Joanna, a highly experienced senior leader who has held Chief Executive and Director roles within a broad range of organisations, assumes the role after former Chair Neil Kempster decided to step down.
Joanna’s appointment comes as the Boston Town Board begins a new phase in its existence having been repurposed to oversee the delivery of £20m Long Term Plan for Towns funding awarded to Boston.
This additional funding complements the £21.9m Town Deal funding which is being invested in Boston through a number of transformational projects, including the new Mayflower learning centre at Boston College and improvements to the Geoff Moulder Centre.
Joanna, who was also most recently Chief Executive of UK Shared Business Services Ltd and previously CEO for the Scottish Police Services Authority, and Director of Strategy and Marketing for the Royal Parks said: “I am so pleased to have been appointed to lead Boston Town Board through its next chapter, when we will build on the successful and significant progress to date and look to the future by creating and overseeing the implementation of a long term plan for Boston.
“I would like to thank my predecessor Neil who has held the position of chair almost from the very beginning. I look forward to continuing to work with him and all the board members as we bring together our shared skills, commitment, and ambition for Boston to make a difference for the town.”
Neil, who is Land and Development Director of Chestnut Homes was an inaugural member of the Board and has been Chair of the Boston Town Board since June 2020. During his four years at the helm, the Board’s role expanded after further funding including Levelling Up and more recently Long Term Plan for Towns investment was awarded to Boston.
Neil said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair for the Boston Town Board, and to be involved in shaping the town investment plan and projects ever since the announcement of the funding.
“Following the establishment of the Boston Town Board in 2020, which enabled the Boston Town Deal investment of £21.9 million, we have supported significant further funding and investment into Boston.
“This has included Levelling Up and Levelling Up Partnership, match funding for the Town Deal, UK Shared Prosperity Funding, High Street Task Force support and most recently the Long Term Plan for Towns funding.
“Now, with the changes in the board’s role, it feels like the right time for me to step down. I am looking forward to remaining as a board member, and continuing to work with Jo and the other board members. I wish Jo all the very best in her role as Chair.”
Councillor Anne Dorrian, Leader of Boston Borough Council, said: “I think I speak for all the partner organisations who are represented on the Town Board when I say that Neil’s chairmanship over the last four years has given a steady and stable influence, giving oversight to the important major projects of the Town Deal.
“I am delighted that he has chosen to stay on as a board member and is willing to offer his vast wealth of experience as we move forward with the Long Term Plan for Towns.”
Image: Boston, Lincolnshire – credit: Stock.adobe.com/Tony
Sutton Bridge ‘Perch Here’ trail launches
A new trail has been unveiled as a celebration of community, art, and local heritage in Sutton Bridge.
The project has been devised to improve the links between the riverside, bridge, moorings, and the village centre. An unveiling event has been held where residents and visitors could see the series of carved features, proudly revealed by some of the community members involved in their creation.
Pedestrian improvements in Sutton Bridge have been funded by Lincolnshire County Council, to better link the village to surrounding areas. The ‘Perch Here’ trail has been delivered by the University of Lincoln’s ‘Transported’ programme using a Coastal Communities Fund grant also secured by the county council.
Councillor Tom Dyer, executive support councillor for economy, environment and planning welcomed everyone to the event on behalf of the county council.
He said: “This is a great new development for Sutton Bridge which is the gateway to Lincolnshire! There has been so much community involvement in the project and the installations already look at home here. It’s a real celebration of the area, its history and its future.
“The riverside trail is on the route of the new King Charles III England Coast Path, and we’re keen that local businesses use the opportunities that new visitors will bring.”
For the installations, a series of creative community workshops were held which led to the commissioning of Boston-born master craftsman and artist Peter Tree. Working alongside Peter were the Boston and South Holland Woodcarvers and volunteers and staff at Long Sutton Youth shed, with 260 participants from The Suttons villages sharing their ideas and enthusiasm during the process.
At the launch, a musical procession saw Peter’s whimsical and anecdotal designs for the trail features revealed.
Image credit: Lincolnshire County Council More than 200 head-turning vehicles flock to ‘Meet the Freemasons’ event at Doddington Hall
More than 200 cars, vans, and motorbikes flocked to Doddington Hall for the now-annual Masons & Motors event staged by Lincolnshire Freemasons.
From near-extinct ‘home grown’ family saloons like the Morris 1800 ‘Landcrab’ and a Maestro (remember those?), to American muscle cars the length of baby battleships, they were all there, with fanciful other vehicle in between.
There was also a BMW-powered motorcycle that younger visitors speculated might be a helicopter, or custom vans, classic British sportscars, and even a Tuk-Tuk, in leopard-print bodywork and driven all the way from Stamford.
The event is the brainchild of Scunthorpe Freemason Dave Gibson, who said: “Thanks to everyone for attending and those who acted as stewards to make it all run smoothly. We had at least 180 vehicles, which made for a great day in great weather.” He was also grateful for the team at Doddington Hall, who’d allowed us to use their venue. Said Dave: “It’s a great central location for the Province, and I’d like to thank the Doddington Hall team for providing a backdrop for what’s now become an annual event.”
The Freemasons Communications Officer Stuart Pearcey said: “Events like this are the perfect way for members of the public to meet the Freemasons and find out what a friendly bunch we are. Not only that, but it may spark an interest in Freemasonry, with people finding common ground to make new friendships, and find out what they can achieve through the benefits of membership – all of which information is on the Lincolnshire Freemasons web page.”
NEXT YEAR’S EVENT is already booked: July 20th, 2025, at Doddington Hall.
RHS judges visit Gainsborough for East Midlands in Bloom contest
Judges from the Royal Horticultural Society have visited Gainsborough as part of the East Midlands in Bloom, casting their eyes over The Old Hall Garden, Pitt Hill Wood and Meadow, John Coupland Hospital Garden, Marshall’s Yard, Carnegie Library and the Guildhall Site.
Each year, Gainsborough in Bloom enters the town into the regional competition in a bid to gain one of the coveted awards. In previous years, the committee managed to achieve a Silver Award in both years and are striving to build towards Silver Gilt.
The judges assess the town over three categories; Horticulture Achievement, Environment Responsibility and Community Participation.
The aim of the competition is to encourage the improvement of our surroundings through the imaginative use of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping. It also aims to achieve a litter free and sustainable environment.
West Lindsey District Council Chairman Stephen Bunney said: “The volunteers involved with Gainsborough in Bloom are dedicated to the project and work tirelessly throughout the year to put on an outstanding floral display every year. On behalf of West Lindsey District Council and The Residents of Gainsborough I hope that their efforts are recognised by at least a Silver Gilt award – one better than last year’s silver. They certainly deserve it!”
The event is run by a handful of dedicated volunteers who raise various funds from various grants sources including; Self-funding, National Lottery Heritage Fund and Local Councillor Initiative. Last year they secured a National Lottery Grant for £2000 to help towards the cost of flowers, insurances and more.
During 2023, they appointed John Lynden as Chairman of the group. John set up Greener Gainsborough, which has charitable status.
In Autumn of 2023 Greener Gainsborough planted 900 bulbs around the library. Gainsborough Library also had their front garden at the entrance re-transformed. Greener Gainsborough worked with Hastings Day Centre to breathe new life into the gardens. Following the success of the project, Greener Gainsborough is hoping to continue their work around the town centre, with the aim to enhance green spaces for the local community.
In spring 2024 The Gainsborough in Bloom committee worked on the beds at Morton Corner and planted wildflower seeds. They planted 17 planters around the town in early June with a good volunteer turnout of 16 helpers.
They have also helped Gainsborough Litter Pickers clean up the Thorndyke Conservation Site, Park Springs Road and more.
The future plans are to create a biodiversity corridor from Thorndyke Way to the Cemetery which involves several organisations. They also intend to build on their restart and carry on with the wildflower theme next year, liaising with community groups, schools and Greener Gainsborough.
The East Midlands in Bloom results will be announced at a ceremony in September.
Women Freemasons to share Scunthorpe open day with male colleagues
For the first time ever in Lincolnshire women Freemasons will share an Open Day with their male colleagues at Scunthorpe on Saturday July 27th.
That’s when the Freemasons Hall on Normanby Road in the town will be open for members of the public to view the room in which members meet, see the regalia they wear, and ask whatever questions they’d like.
The inclusion of women in the day is a step forward, but women in Freemasonry is nothing new – women have been Freemasons for more than 100 years, and meet in this region at Grimsby, Scunthorpe, and Lincoln.
Says organiser Dave Gibson: “A great deal of myth and misinformation surrounds Freemasonry; some of it based on rumour and heresay, and some merely a reflection of others’ beliefs. By staging an open day we want to let visitors discover the real story.
“They’ll be able to discover the history of Freemasonry in Scunthorpe, which goes back to 1885, understand our regalia, which is in effect a uniform, and share a cup of coffee or tea with us. Everyone’s welcome, and there’s no charge.
“We look forward to welcoming lots of visitors between 10am and 2pm.”
Cycle park opened in Keelby
A new cycle park and a refurbished play area have been opened in the village of Keelby.
The cycle park, at Keelby Village Green, was officially opened by Councillor Owen Bierley, at the recent village gala.
The project, which also included new outdoor exercise equipment and a revitalised over five’s play area, was led by Keelby Parish Council, and supported through West Lindsey District Council’s Community Grant Scheme and other funders.
People using the new play area and refurbished play equipment, were delighted with the results. One villager, who was at the official opening, said: “My kids love going round on their bikes. We taught my youngest to ride his bike on the cycle park and it was perfect. Really good idea.”
Chairman of Keelby Parish Council, Cllr Trevor Wright, said: “We are keen to ensure that residents have access to the best recreational facilities as this was a high priority when consulting on our recently published Neighbourhood Plan.
“It’s fantastic to see the village green buzzing with children using the new facilities and having fun whilst their parents can relax in the picnic area. We’ve had a lot of very positive comments and would like to thank West Lindsey District Council for their continued support.”
The Gala saw hundreds of people from the community and beyond enjoying local bands, dog shows, entertainment and food.
Cllr Owen Bierley said: “I am always absolutely delighted to see for myself the bike park and exercise equipment being so well used.
“These facilities are a great community resource and we’re pleased to have been able to provide funding to support Keelby Parish Council in delivering this project.”
The Community Grant Scheme is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund.
Image credit: West Lindsey District Council
Parkinson’s UK’s Scunthorpe branch seeks new Chair
Parkinson’s UK’s Scunthorpe branch is appealing for a new branch Chair to help the group continue to support local people affected by Parkinson’s.
The branch meets monthly and hosts activities including social meets, outings, and a weekly yoga class, for people living with Parkinson’s and their loved ones in the Scunthorpe area.
Rose Crawley, Volunteer Support Officer, Parkinson’s UK, said: “The branch Chair is a key role with big impact. Leading a committed group of volunteers, you’ll be a core part of the local Parkinson’s community, shaping the activities offered in Scunthorpe and bringing your group and committee together.
“From monthly committee meetings to liaising with local staff, you’ll be a key point of contact for Parkinson’s UK and act as an ambassador for the charity.
“As well as making a big difference to people living with Parkinson’s locally, volunteering is a great opportunity to try something new, have new experiences, and meet new people – if you’re interested in hearing more about the role, please do get in touch.”
The Scunthorpe branch meets on the second Wednesday of the month at the Salvation Army Centre, 187 Ashby High Street, Scunthorpe, DN16 2JT. From June to September, meetings are held between 7:15-8:30pm, and from October to May they are held 2-4pm.
Anyone affected by Parkinson’s is welcome, including family, friends, and carers – there is no need to book. Meetings often include a speaker, tea, and plenty of time to chat!
The branch also arranges outings, an annual holiday and a weekly yoga class led by a qualified instructor.
Around 153,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with Parkinson’s, including around 2,080 people in Lincolnshire.
For more information or to discuss the vacancy please contact Rose Crawley, Volunteer Support Officer, on rcrawley@parkinsons.org.uk or 0344 225 3634.
North East Lincolnshire heritage projects get £250,000 National Lottery grant
A programme to build upon North East Lincolnshire’s Creativity Strategy has secured a £250,000 grant to help achieve the area’s vision for heritage.
North East Lincolnshire Council has been given the grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support a programme that will drive community-led heritage projects across Grimsby, Immingham, Cleethorpes and the Wolds. This will further the Council’s aim to support organisations in the area to share stories that celebrate the past and help shape the future.
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “At the Heritage Fund, we believe in the power of heritage to create positive and lasting change, now and in the future. We know that when our investments contribute to the long-term vision for a place, the benefits can be profound and long-lasting for its local community, visitors, and economy.
“This is why we are delighted to make this award through our Heritage Places initiative and continue our support for the heritage-driven regeneration of North East Lincolnshire. Thanks to National Lottery players, by empowering local people to explore their stories in their own way, this work will allow community-led placemaking and heritage to thrive.”
In October 2023, North East Lincolnshire was one of nine locations chosen to receive support over the next 10 years as part of the Heritage Fund’s new UK-wide Heritage Places initiative, which is designed to boost local economies and instil pride in place in towns and cities across the country.
This announcement came just as the Heritage Fund’s previous place-based initiative ended, where North East Lincolnshire was one of 13 ‘Areas of Focus’ across the UK that received targeted support to apply for project funding between 2019 – 2024.
The Areas of Focus work kick-started the heritage-led regeneration of the area, seeing National Lottery grants totaling £5.7 million awarded to 29 projects, including The Horizon Onside Youth Zone, Peterson’s Project at Grimsby Docks, Weelsby Hall and Grimsby Falfest.
This new funding, the first share of the Heritage Fund’s £200 million Heritage Places initiative to be awarded in the North of England, will help the Council to build on this work. The programme will prioritise extensive community engagement to further map out and develop heritage needs, activities and future opportunities that will inform a long-term strategic plan for heritage in North East Lincolnshire.
A Community Engagement and Development Co-ordinator will be recruited to lead the new programme. They will be tasked with empowering local communities and organisations to develop heritage projects that are meaningful to them, with an aim to conserve and protect more unique historical landmarks, promote cultural events and connect people to their local heritage.
The programme will take learnings from other North East Lincolnshire heritage initiatives including the Heritage Network, Cleethorpes Townscape Heritage Programme and Greater Grimsby Heritage Action Zone.
Cllr Hayden Dawkins, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Heritage at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is absolutely fantastic news, and really builds on the work the team has been doing to highlight our amazing heritage in the borough. We’re proud to be the first Heritage Place to be awarded in the North of England, and I’d personally like to thank The National Lottery Heritage Fund for believing in the work we’re doing in Grimsby, Cleethorpes and beyond, preserving and showcasing our past for future generations.”
