Diamonds in the sky: Former Red Arrows team members recall their days with display team
Engineers and pilots of the iconic Red Arrows gathered to share memories and watch the team’s display at Cleethorpes Armed Forces event to commemorate their aiamond anniversary.
Formed in 1964, the current Royal Air Force Red Arrows display team carried out a 25-minute display at Cleethorpes, culminating in two jets writing a 60 in the sky using smoke trails. The display was watched by thousands who lined the streets to catch a glimpse of what is widely referred to as the greatest aerobatic display team in the world.
Also watching on were a number of former Red Arrows pilots and engineers who have worked on the team . In a special reunion, members of the Red Arrows Association were invited to attend the event organised by RAA member and former Engineering controller Gavin Marshall.
Amongst them was engineer Bill Green and fitter Mike Souter, who worked with the team in 1965 and from 1968 to 1972 respectively.
Bill began his career in the RAF at Little Rissington, Gloucestershire, in 1963, spending two years with the Red Pelicans who were one of many display teams prior to the formation of the Red Arrows.
Eventually, Bill was selected to be part of the Red Arrows engineering team, something he looks back on with delight. He said: “It was great fun and everything I had ever dreamt it would be.”
Asked about some of his greatest memories, Bill stuck to a mantra that many of the team follow, saying: “What happens in the team stays in the team, but it’s a year I remember very fondly.
“I don’t regret a single moment of it.” However, in his role as engineer, he didn’t solely work on the aircraft.
“The ground crew were also the people who gave feedback to the pilots after a flight. Being up in the sky, they’ve no idea how they performed so we would have to tell them how they got on.
“Sometimes they would come back grumpy thinking they’d done a bad job when actually they’d performed well and other times it was the opposite.”
The day was made even more special for him by watching his beloved Red Arrows perform right in front of his eyes.
“I was really looking forward to watching them perform. It always makes me happy seeing them in the sky.”
Meanwhile, “fitter” Mike was selected to be part of the team back in 1968, staying with them for a period of four years. “When I was told the news, I was over the moon.
“In my first two years I organised a number of things for the engineers before spending the next two years as part of the “Circus”.”
Those in the Circus sit in the back of each Red Arrow jet while it’s in flight and are tasked with the service and maintenance of a specific plane for the display season. Mike said: “To be in the air with them was quite the experience. The camaraderie between everyone was just amazing.”
He added; “If I could do it all over again, I certainly would.”
Dicky Patounas was Red 1 in 2005/06. He said: “When you’re told you’re going to lead the team, it fills you with pride, but also trepidation of needing to deliver such high standards with everyone looking at you. It’s a huge challenge, but one that’s highly rewarding too.”
He added: “It isn’t just the pilots that make it work, there is a whole team of engineers, fitters and much more that make everything come together.”
Having spent a number of years with the team, Dicky has a whole host of amazing memories. ”Some of my best moments include leading the team down the Mall for the Queen’s Birthday and the display we carried out for our 40th anniversary.”
However, some of his favourite moments had nothing to do with flying. “I used to love speaking to people, both young and old.
“We would go to Great Ormond Street Hospital at Christmas and speak to children and even engage with the Royals at certain events. I really enjoyed visiting the children, seeing us made their day and it was a way for the team to inspire a younger generation.
“As well as being enjoyable, it was an incredibly humbling experience that I never forgot. I look back on it all with such fondness.”
Navigo named ‘Foster Friendly’ business
Launched during the recent Fostering Fortnight activities, North East Lincolnshire Council’s ‘Foster Friendly business’ scheme is gaining ground across the borough, as more organisations and businesses commit to supporting foster carers.
The initiative encourages businesses and organisations across the area to support employees who are also foster carers, or those who may choose to become foster carers in the future. Foster Friendly businesses taking part in the scheme will offer benefits to staff who are foster carers, including additional annual leave for appointments and training.
Navigo chief executive Simon Beeton said: “We are absolutely delighted to become an official Foster Friendly organisation.
“As a leading provider of mental health services, we see every day the impact and difference a stable home can have on the lives of the people we serve. We are committed to supporting foster carers as it is important that this vital role is recognised and encouraged.”
Locally and nationally there is a great shortage of foster carers, and it is organisations and businesses supporting people who provide homes for foster children that could help to tip the balance across North East Lincolnshire.
North East Lincolnshire Council’s Children’s Services Director, Ann-Marie Matson, welcomed the news: “It is fantastic that Navigo has chosen to sign up to the ‘Foster Friendly’ scheme, joining North East Lincolnshire Council, Toll Bar Academy, and Grimsby Town Football Club as we all make a commitment together to support foster carers, and in turn foster children who desperately need welcoming and safe homes to live in.
“Foster carers provide homes for vulnerable children and young people, and many of these young people need support whilst they adjust to their new environments. This can require additional help from foster carers, and those with jobs may find it difficult if employers are unaware of the additional care young people may need during these traumatic times.
“Becoming part of the Foster Friendly scheme gives employers an insight into the needs of foster carer employees and provides them with the tools they require to support them and the foster children in their homes.
“We welcome Navigo to the scheme and look forward to others across the borough joining us in the future.”
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council
Work begins on transformation of iconic pub site
Work has started on the £1.5 million transformation of the former site of Lincoln’s famous Golden Cross pub, which closed in 2020.
Following the recent demolition of the old pub, the Gelder Group has embarked on a special housing project, after being awarded a contract by Framework Housing Association.
Although the building site is quite small, the Young People’s Learning Provision (YPLP) – which is part of the county council’s Children’s Services – has kindly allowed the company to park site traffic on their land. This has removed the need for additional traffic to be on the road, relieving potential congestion.
The new building will comprise 15 supported housing flats, which meet the Secured by Design accreditation. This is a police-preferred specification which provides a recognised standard for all security products that can deter and reduce crime.
Gelder Group Chief Executive Officer Steve Gelder said: “We are delighted to be working on this project for several reasons. Obviously, winning this work was great news for team Gelder.
“It is also special to be transforming a site which, historically, had connections with Lincoln City Football Club. Being so close to City’s Sincil Bank ground, it was a natural watering hole for Red Imps’ fans.
“On a more serious note, we have also long admired the amazing work done by Framework, in supporting people who are homeless or at risk of being so. Also, it doesn’t stop there, because it also supports its ‘clients’ with their health, social care and employment needs.”
The building is due to be completed by March 2025.
Framework Director of Corporate Services, Dave Newmarch said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to help address the shortage of accommodation for homeless people in Lincoln with these purpose-built premises providing 15 self-contained, one-bed units for single homeless people.
“Framework is a registered charity and a registered provider of social housing and we have been providing services for homeless and vulnerable people in Lincolnshire since 2011.
“This new housing on the High Street will be our fifth major capital investment in Lincoln to provide good quality, purpose-built accommodation for people in need. It brings our total investment in the city to more than £9.6m and enables us to provide accommodation for more than 100 homeless people at any one time.
“With support from the City of Lincoln Council, the £2.65m project has been funded under the government’s Single Homeless Accommodation Programme which provides homes and crucial support for people with high and enduring support needs, including rough sleepers.
“The government grant of £1.7m has been supplemented by a contribution from Framework itself worth £850,000.
“We are delighted to be working with the excellent Gelder Group – keeping the work in Lincolnshire and ensuring that the project is delivered to the high standards we wish to provide for the people we support.
“When the flats are occupied in spring 2025 residents will receive dedicated support from staff who will be on site 24/7 to address the issues that contributed to residents’ homelessness in the first place.”
Preparations underway for Sleaford Market Place closure
Final arrangements are being made ahead of works to make Sleaford Market Place an improved space to hold markets, events and public activities.
Ahead of the scheme, details on the work schedule are being shared with stakeholders and nearby businesses. Advance signage will also be installed to forewarn of the closure of the Market Place as a car park from July 19, followed by further signs to say that the businesses around the Market Place are open as usual, to give information on alternative car parks and direct people to the temporary location of the market and Farmer’s Market at Eastgate Car Park.
Some final onsite checks will then take place before the groundworks begin at the end of July, running through to an expected completion in mid-December.
The project will see the Market Place repaved with sandstone setts to lighten up the space and better reflect the surrounding buildings and features. Two raised planters will provide greenery and shade, along with three hardwood benches within the design of the planters and a further seven hardwood benches around its perimeter.
The war memorial will benefit from up-lighting and the bollards which protect it will be retained, while resin-bound gravel will highlight the area around it. The old hut will be removed, with the parking attendants who used it relocating to the North Kesteven District Council offices. New lighting under the trees and an information board will also be installed, plus five new cycle hoops.
Time-limited Blue Badge Holder parking will be available on the Market Place three days a week when it reopens, in addition to arranged access for church events and services in agreement with the church wardens.
Market traders will also benefit from an enhanced environment that, being free of moving vehicles on market days, will give customers more confidence in moving around it safely. It also allows more space for additional potential stallholders, along with better visibility for those existing traders. Operation of the market continues to sit with Sleaford Town Council, who will be able to provide and promote a market that meets the aspirations of residents.
North Kesteven District Council Chief Executive Ian Fytche said: “We’re committed to ensuring that the scheme supports the continued success of the town centre; by enhancing the Market Place as a space where people can freely move through its historic setting and shop without the current conflict between pedestrians and lots of moving cars, where the markets can trade more visibly as a key feature of Sleaford, and where community events can take place more readily and in enhanced surroundings.
“In readiness for the works to start, we are sharing more information on its phasing with individual stakeholders including the ways we’re working together with our contractor to keep disruption to a minimum. This includes maintaining pedestrian access to shops and businesses as much as possible throughout the works, and ensuring access is maintained to St Denys’ Church.”
Civil engineering and construction company Smith Construction is appointed as the contractor to carry out the works. It is a local business founded in 1979 as a family building firm and headquartered in Heckington, and prides itself on its high standard of work. Much of its staff are also local to the area.
Hoarding will be put up facing Eastgate and around the main rectangle of Market Place, with pedestrian access to the surrounding shops, businesses and St Denys’ Church kept via the footpaths which will be left accessible. It is hoped there could be an event for young people whereby the hoarding is decorated.
The exception to this is limited periods where work needs to take place directly outside a premises. These works are planned where possible around their opening times and they also won’t take long to complete, for the most part limiting access for only a day or so during those closed hours. To limit noise or other impact during the Remembrance weekend, no works will take place during any events on 10 and 11 November.
The al fresco seating next to Sessions House will need to be packed away while repaving takes place there from early August until mid-September. It’s hoped the hoarding there can then be removed, while the bulk of the works continue in the main rectangle of the Market Place.
The temporary relocation of the market to Eastgate Car Park is for the duration of the works only. While the Market Place is owned by the District Council, the market itself is operated by the Town Council under a licence agreement, which is subject to ongoing renewal discussions.
Mr Fytche added: “The temporary relocation of the market is a necessary step during the works, and ultimately we hope that everyone will continue to show their support by visiting it in its temporary location there. Mindful of the historic integrity of the market to Sleaford, we continue working with the Town Council to ensure its ongoing success and hoped-for growth, where we anticipate it being more visible and vibrant in the refreshed Market Place.”
The project is being delivered using the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Image courtesy of North Kesteven District Council
Lincoln alumni create compelling UEFA Euro 2024 British Heart Foundation campaign
Two creative advertising alumni of the University of Lincoln have created a powerful national campaign for British Heart Foundation (BHF), to raise awareness of sudden cardiac death in young people.
Sudden cardiac death is referred to as a “silent killer,” often going undiagnosed until too late as there are generally no prior symptoms or warning signs. The poignant campaign, “England ‘til I died,” cleverly plays upon the popular football chant, bringing it a new and emotive meaning, underlining the importance of scientific study and fundraising needed to better understand this illness.
Launched to coincide with the start of the UEFA EURO 2024, it tells the real-life stories of 12 young England fans who passed away suddenly after experiencing cardiac arrest. The 12 were honoured in commemorative murals painted onto walls in their respective hometowns to bring awareness to the alarming statistics that every single week in the UK, 12 young lives are tragically lost to sudden cardiac death.
Pete Ioulianou and Ollie Agius, both University of Lincoln graduates and Senior Creatives at multinational ad agency Saatchi & Saatchi, fulfilled a brief which supports BHF’s aims to raise awareness across the UK that cardiac death also impacts young people, and fund research into finding a cure.
Speaking about their work, Pete and Ollie said: “It’s been a privilege and an honour to work on this campaign using the same skills we learnt on the Creative Advertising course at the University of Lincoln all those years ago. Seeing our idea out in the real world and having such a positive impact for a truly important cause has been very special.
“We were briefed to change the perceptions of heart disease and to increase the sense of urgency around the cause. People tend to think it only affects the elderly, the overweight, the unfit. But the truth is, it can strike anyone, anywhere, any age, any time.
“The football chant ‘England ‘till I die’ was the key. Once we changed it to ‘died’, we knew we had something and that the Euros would therefore be the perfect time to launch, hopefully leading to more awareness.”
Damion Mower, Director of Brand at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Our new campaign is a powerful reminder of the impact of sudden cardiac death. Behind every mural is a family who have lost a loved one too soon, and our teams at the BHF have worked closely and sensitively with them to ensure their relatives are remembered in a touching way.
“We thank our creative partners at Saatchi for their sensitivity and care in portraying the stories through the campaign creatives. We are truly thankful to the families who have agreed to remember their loved ones to help us urgently raise awareness and funds towards research into heart and circulatory diseases.”
Image credit: Electric Egg Ltd. – stock.adobe.com
Ten-year-old Reuben is one of 30 patients thanking LNAA in its 30th Anniversary
When a schoolboy was crushed by a lorry frame, the swift actions of his sister helped save the day.
One sunny afternoon last July, ten-year-old Reuben was playing with his sister in a shed near his home when a lorry frame fell on him, crushing his leg.
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) was immediately called and arrived at their rural homestead at Wigtoft, Lincolnshire, within minutes. The doctor/paramedic team quickly identified Reuben had suffered a significant fracture to his lower leg and were concerned for the blood flow to his foot.
Paramedic Matt said: “We could see he was in obvious discomfort and so we decided to sedate Reuben before splinting his leg and realigning the fractures.”
Due to the complexities of his injuries and given the distance the family lived from a major trauma hospital, it was decided to transport him to Nottingham’s Queen Medical Centre in the helicopter, a journey that took fifteen minutes rather than one hour and fifteen minutes by road ambulance.
Mum Suzanne couldn’t believe what had happened to Reuben and praises his sister, Scarlett, for raising the alarm. She said: “The framework was heavy and had done serious damage to Reuben’s leg. Somehow Scarlett was able to lift the heavy metal bars off him and drag him out from under the ironwork, before seeking help. When I arrived at the shed, I could see that he was badly injured and yet he appeared so calm.
“We called 999, and luckily Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance was with us super quick!
“During the flight the doctor and the paramedic were brilliant. They kept both me and my son calm and explained everything they were doing as they went along.”
Over the next few days Reuben had three operations on his leg including a skin and muscle graft and he was fitted with an external fixator to keep his leg stable.
A year on, Reuben has made an amazing recovery, and his leg is almost recovered. Suzanne summed up: “We really cannot thank you guys enough for the help you gave us, whilst on the floor with bones exposed my son said multiple times, ‘thank you’ to your team!”
Stay safe by staying out of the water, urges ABP
As the school holidays approach and the summer climate hots up, Associated British Ports are urging people not to swim in their docks and to be careful in the rivers.
With the hot weather recently experienced and with the summer break coming up, ABP knows water can be an attractive place to go. In the Humber, particularly around Goole Docks and Albert Dock in Hull.
In a campaign due to run throughout the summer months, Simon Bird, Regional Director of the Humber ports said: “On a hot day, it might seem like a good idea to cool down in open water, but swimming is prohibited in our docks.
“Docks are not a safe place to swim. Apart from being industrial centres, they pose a danger due to the steep walls which makes it difficult to escape.
“People also do not know what may be lurking beneath the water that could be a potential hazard. If you want to swim, go to a pool, or find an open water swimming club. If however, you do find yourself in distress, then follow the advice of the RNLI.”
The potential dangers of swimming in docks are:
- Deep water
- Unexpected cold-water shock
- Hazards lurking beneath the surface
- Active operational areas
- Waterborne diseases
- Tides
Willingham Woods makes it into top ten best dog walking spots in the UK
Willingham Woods near Market Rasen is amongst the top ten most popular dog walking venues in the UK, according to a new survey by Petsure.
The pet insurance company turned to social media, ranking its league table based on the number of social media posts on Instagram and TikTok. And whilst the Lincolnshire location fell some way short of the table-topping Bushey Park in London, it still came sixth.
Vet Dr Corinne Wigfall said: “Regular walks give your dog the physical exercise it needs to maintain a healthy weight, strong muscles, and good cardiovascular health.
“Remember that each dog is an individual, so tailor your walks to their age, breed, and ability. By adjusting walks to your dog’s pace and ability, you can help give them the right amount of exercise to stay healthy and happy.
“Walking isn’t just good for your dog’s physical health; it’s also crucial for their mental well-being. Exploring outdoors allows your dog to discover a variety of new scents, sights, and sounds for mental enrichment.
The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance Podcast lands
As part of the 30th Anniversary celebrations, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) is bringing incredible stories to the airwaves, through its new podcast that immerses listeners into the busy life at the life-saving charity.
Hosted by former BBC Radio Lincolnshire presenter, Melvyn Prior, the By Your Side Podcast series takes you behind the scenes of some of LNAA’s memorable achievements over the last 30 years, sharing special moments with patients and crew, past and present.
He said: “I’m really excited to be working on this new project with the team at Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance.
“I love chatting with people and allowing them to tell their own stories. The sort of thing I’ve done for many years on the radio.
“Whether it’s a pilot or paramedic, patient or a fundraiser, everyone has a story to tell and I’m really looking forward to discovering and sharing those stories on the ‘By Your Side’ podcast.”
Tune into the first episode as Melvyn chats with Capt Llewis Ingamells who tells of his childhood dream to become an LNAA pilot and why he thinks LNAA’s iconic AW 169 helicopter is so special.
Llewis takes you through those first minutes when the 999 call comes into HQ, to starting the helicopter’s computers and receiving clearance from RAF Waddington for take-off on its emergency Alpha signal and the part pilots play alongside the doctors and paramedics at the scene of incidents.
Llewis said: “Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance is special to many, its life-saving team of doctors, paramedics and pilots attend some of the most critically ill and injured people in Lincs & Notts on a daily basis. Our 30th year is a celebration of our life-saving work and through this new podcast series we will share behind-the-scenes stories of what it’s like working for this amazing charity.”
Other highlights from the series include LNAA CEO, Karen Jobling, and Thirza Dixon, LNAA’s first fundraiser in 1994, who talk about how far the charity has come in 30 years, past patients who share their heartfelt stories, and a doctor who has a rather extreme life out of their LNAA shifts.
The first episode of the podcast is available now on Spotify and LNAA’s website: https://www.ambucopter.org.uk/blogs/podcast/
Image shows Melvyn Prior and Capt Llewis Ingamells
Work starts to create multi-use play zone in Grant Thorold Park
Work started this week to refurbish the current sports court in Grant Thorold Park.
The Grant Thorold ‘PlayZone’ multi-use games area (MUGA) will deliver the full refurbishment of the existing tarmacked sports area in the park, and will include basketball hoops, benches, goals, fencing and LED floodlighting.
The PlayZone Programme is aimed at tackling inequalities in physical activity and access to facilities. Its aim is to focus on funding community-led spaces, with an emphasis on refurbished safe and accessible mini pitches that will allow groups to be more active.
With a pitch size of approximately 30 by 20 metres, the PlayZone will have line marking for football and basketball games.
The emphasis is on ‘free to use’ community access, with a booking system to ensure fairness and safety. The PlayZone will also offer the opportunity for more formal sessions to be held, where groups can book for a small fee.
The current sports court will be taken out of use for the duration of the works. Site deliveries are expected in the first week, and ground works and construction thereafter. Heras fencing will be installed around the site while works are ongoing for safety reasons.
Additionally, in the early weeks, the large tree that currently overhangs the court will have the canopy lifted to allow room below for the new fencing and floodlights. Checks will be done before any works are done to the tree to make sure there are no nesting birds.
The planning application for this development was approved earlier this year.
Image credit: Google maps
