Community groups re-tell uplifting stories of project success in West Lindsey

Stuart Pearcey
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Community groups re-tell uplifting stories of project success in West Lindsey

Uplifting stories of how two very different and successful community projects have been brought to fruition have been re-told at a special event in West Lindsey.

West Lindsey District Council hosted the community funding event at Hemswell Court, to encourage community groups to find out more about the funding available and to learn from other groups.

Stepping Stones Theatre gave a very emotional and powerful performance of readings and music. They demonstrated the importance of creativity and listening to the voices and experiences of all people in our district as our communities shape their open and accessible facilities and projects.

Bill Rodgers said: “Without West Lindsey District Council’s funding there would be no Stepping Stones. Things were different in the early days of social prescribing in the belief that creative outlets could have anything to do with recovery. 25 years later we are here telling our story.”

They were followed by Scampton Church and RAF War Graves Heritage Centre who explained the issues they faced with their building, including constraints with funding for churches, and how they navigated their way to a revitalised and vibrant community space. They offered important insights, including about the importance of consultation, volunteers and partnerships, to those branching out into their own project.

Project co-ordinator Joe Bartrop said: “With the £8,000 that West Lindsey helped us to get through the councils grant funding meant we were able to match fund in a further £320,000 that was needed for our project.

Community organisations play a pivotal role in supporting ‘Our People’ and ‘Our Place’ and Our Council’s community grants can help kickstart groups on their journey.

Leader of West Lindsey District Council Cllr Trevor Young said: “With the support of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund, we are pleased to present our Community Grants Schemes to support the people and places of West Lindsey to thrive and reach their full potential.

“We know that it is our communities who lead the way in maintaining and building community facilities like village halls, playparks and green spaces.

“It is our communities that are putting on events and activities that bring people together, tackling social isolation and building cohesive and engaged neighbourhoods. It is our communities that know what their neighbourhoods need and have the ideas and solutions to address the issues they face.

“With that knowledge, our Community Grant Funds have been developed to respond to the needs and ideas of our community organisations. We want to ensure that our grants have the greatest impact on our communities.”

More funding roadshows will take place across the district – where people can drop in and meet our funding officers to talk about our Community Grants Scheme or if you want to book a slot, email funding@west-lindsey.gov.uk.

Roadshows will take place at:

  • 30 August, Reepham and Cherry Willingham Village Hall, 2.30pm – 4.30pm
  • 18 September, Riverside Room, Gainsborough, 1.30pm – 3.30pm
  • 19 September, Market Rasen Festival Hall, 1.30pm – 3.30pm
  • 26 September, Scotton Village Hall, 10.30am – 12.30pm

For more information visit our website at www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/funding

Have your say on North East Lincolnshire’s tree strategy

Stuart Pearcey
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Have your say on North East Lincolnshire’s tree strategy
North East Lincolnshire Council is inviting people to have their say on its first-ever tree strategy. The draft strategy demonstrates the Council’s commitment to caring for trees under its management and help respond to the challenges of climate change and the natural ecosystem. People are invited to read the strategy and give their views between now and Wednesday 11th October at www.nelincs.gov.uk/have-your-say. Trees cover about 10 percent of North East Lincolnshire, well below the national average of 15.8 percent. Tree canopy coverage within the borough’s Wards, including Yarborough, Park and Heneage, are above the national average, however some of the Wards along the coast have tree canopy cover as low as 2 per cent to 7.6 per cent. Trees provide many well-documented benefits from improving the quality of the natural and urban environment to improving social, health and physical well-being. When managed correctly trees can help mitigate the effects of climate change, improve storm water management, air quality, biodiversity and the amenity and sense of well-being within a community. Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the Council, said: “Our draft tree strategy is an ambitious plan that can be used as a framework for everyone who has a role to play in protecting and increasing tree cover in the borough. “It gives a strategic approach to making sure that everyone gains from the environmental and health benefits that trees give us. “We’re inviting individuals and organisations to have their say on our approach to looking after our existing trees and to increasing the number of trees in our area.”

Government funds mean four new jobs and energy advice delivered on rural doorsteps

Stuart Pearcey
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Government funds mean four new jobs and energy advice delivered on rural doorsteps
Government funding of more than £660,000 will create four new jobs to deliver a two-year programme to help tackle fuel poverty in some of the most remote areas of East Lindsey. The funding will see four home energy advice officers and an electric Energy Bus taking information and support on energy efficiency improvements right to the heart of the district’s rural communities. This will mean residents who may struggle to access help and advice will receive in-person support on their doorsteps to help tackle fuel poverty, live more comfortably in their homes and save money on their energy bills. Cllr Graham Marsh, Portfolio Holder for Carbon Reduction at East Lindsey District Council said: “This is a fantastic sum of money which will help us reach even more residents to enable them to improve their homes, save money, and live more comfortably and warmer. “The Council’s Sustainable Warmth Team have helped transform the lives of many residents wanting to retrofit their homes and this two-year funding will now help us reach those people who may not know where to start in applying for grant funding or may find it harder to access information due to issues around digital and social exclusion. “The mobile bus, a partnership with PECT, will give us the opportunity to go directly to communities, to deliver advice and start residents on the journey of living more comfortably and more efficiently. It will also provide a showcase to demonstrate the technologies that can help transform people’s homes while also reducing carbon emissions.” The funding is part of £4m awarded to nine projects across the Midlands to support more than 30,000 people with energy advice. Amanda Solloway, Minister for Energy Consumers and Affordability, said: ”We want everyone to be able to get expert advice on how to make their homes more energy efficient, no matter where they live, so they can save money. “These innovative projects will bring that expertise right to people’s doorsteps, quite literally in some cases, ensuring people are given the best advice on how to save money on their bills and heat their homes for less without needing to search for it. This is alongside our investment of billions of pounds to improve energy efficiency across the country – reducing bills at the same time as making sure Britain’s homes are fit for the future.”

Multimillion pound road investment protects homes in the Isle of Axholme

Tess Egginton
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Multimillion pound road investment protects homes in the Isle of Axholme
Construction work to install a brand-new sewage and flood defence system in Crowle on the Isle of Axholme are now well underway. Phase one of the works on Godnow Road are progressing at pace and is currently set to be completed by early September. Local contractor PBS Construction are installing the new sewage works and flood-defence system on behalf of Severn Trent and the Internal Drainage Board (IDB) and North Lincolnshire Council is relaying the road surface. Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children, families and communities, said: “It is fantastic to see further investment in the Isle of Axholme. This is a vital piece of work to better protect the local community for years to come. “The £3 million pound investment – from the council and partners – is just one part of our commitment to continue to develop our roads and highways infrastructure across the whole county.” To minimise disruption, the work is being completed in eight separate phases with road closures in place. Residents affected by the closure are being kept informed and pedestrian access is being maintained at all times. Cllr Neil Poole, cabinet member for highways operations, said: “This project has been in the pipeline for a while and is great to see that the work has now begun. “With a whole new sewage and flood defence system being installed and the history of the Isle of Axholme, these construction works are no easy feat. “Phase one has already seen the need for alternative construction methods to be explored and implemented and there are seven more intensive phases to be undertaken before the project reaches completion. “Managing and maintaining our road network is a never-ending task but is something we are committed to deliver across the county.” The new flooding defence system being installed will further compliment the £35m revamp of Keadby Pumping Station that now uses electrical pumps to manage the water levels across the region, making it easier to protect thousands of homes within the Isle of Axholme. In addition to the new sewage and flood defence system, the full stetch of road will be resurfaced and will include a brand-new junction from Godnow Road leading onto the main high street. The extensive construction works are expected to be finished in April 2024.

Parishes and towns across South & East Lincolnshire to receive nearly £1.3m in grant scheme

Tess Egginton
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Parishes and towns across the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership sub-region are set to receive the first share of nearly £1.3 million to help boost small community groups and projects thanks to a new grants scheme. Lincolnshire Community Foundation’s Levelling UP Community Grants Programme (GRASSroots) will distribute grant aid across Boston, East Lindsey and South Holland to go towards supporting rural communities and parish and town councils. Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the scheme aims to meet an already high demand from parishes and strengthen the social fabric of communities. This could be through building pride in place by improving community facilities, creating opportunities to bring people together or creating social connections that will grow and thrive. The following projects and groups have been successful in securing a grant: East Lindsey:
  • Wainfleet St. Mary Jubilee Orchard
  • New York Lecture Hall
  • Stixwould Village Hall
  • Spilsby Town Council
  • Aby with Greenfields Parish Council
South Holland:
  • Weston Parish Council – Weston Hills Park
  • Gosberton Snooker and Bowls Club
  • Donington – Flinders Park Improvement Project
  • Cowbit Village Hall
  • Fleet Parish Council – Playing Field Development
In a joint statement, Councillor Steve Kirk, portfolio holder for The Coastal Economy, and Councillor Adam Grist, portfolio holder for Market Towns and the Rural Economy at East Lindsey District Council and Councillor Paul Redgate, portfolio holder for Finance, Commercialisation, Levelling Up and UK Shared Prosperity Funding at South Holland District Council, said: “This funding gives a vital boost for parishes to improve their village halls, their popular clubs and allotments – which will be hugely beneficial to the people who live in those communities and visitors too. “Additionally, this also gives a helping hand to those who want to set up a new initiative, perhaps a community transport service or an event in their rural community. “We are so pleased to see this money spreading out across the area, not just in the bigger towns but also the smaller villages which we know will very much appreciate this funding.” Sue Fortune, Lincolnshire Community Foundation’s CEO, added: “This is an incredible opportunity for organisations based within the heart of their community to access much needed funding whether it’s to install a new kitchen in a much-used rural village hall, reinvigorate a local village tradition or celebrate a local hero, or secure that last bit of funding to complete a community play area.” Unfortunately, in this round the fund was unable to make any grants in the Boston area due to a lack of bids brought forward. LCF, YMCA and Boston Borough Council are, however, working with a number of community organisations to bring forward exciting bids for the next round of funding. If this is of interest to your community group, applications are still open and there is still time to apply for the next round of funding. Grants of up to £24,999 are available to enable places to invest in and/or restore their community spaces and create the foundations for growth at a neighbourhood level. Some of the applications which would be considered include capital improvement costs to village halls and community hubs, events (cultural, arts, heritage and community) which bring communities together, community play areas, local transport initiatives and projects aimed at reducing the cost of living or improving digital connectivity. However, anyone is encouraged to make contact and find out more through the LCF’s Grants Page at www.lincolnshirecf.co.uk, where the application form can be found.

Boston catering company fined after providing unsafe food to school

Tess Egginton
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A Boston catering company must pay out more than £14,000 after a mistake when making up a batch of school dinners.

Boston Magistrates’ Court heard that Willoughby Foods Ltd sent out 75 Quorn meals in November of last year that should not have contained any dairy-based ingredients, but that a food handler had mistakenly added cheese to the meals. Magistrates were told that the mother of a child with a milk allergy had ordered the meal after checking the allergen information on the order portal. A school meal supervisor spotted that the dish contained cheese and, being aware of the child’s allergy to milk, gave them a different meal. Willoughby Foods Ltd pleaded guilty to placing unsafe food on the market. The court heard that the company had co-operated fully with Boston Borough Council’s environmental health team, and that it had reviewed and updated its procedures immediately after the incident. Councillor Callum Butler, Portfolio Holder for Environmental at Boston Borough Council, said: “I’d like to express my sincere thanks to the school meal supervisor and the environmental health team for acting so diligently to prevent what could have been a very serious incident.” Passing sentence, magistrates said the potential for harm was very high, but gave the company credit for pleading guilty at the first opportunity. They fined Willoughby Foods Ltd £10,000 plus a £2,000 surcharge and £2,269.40 costs.

Academic excellence as Franklin students revel in Results Day

Michael Fisher
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Academic excellence as Franklin students revel in Results Day
This year sees a full return to examined awards at A level and an increasing examination load for our BTEC/CTEC students. Franklin Sixth Form College students have risen to that challenge, securing a fantastic set of results that open them up a truly life-changing set of opportunities. Demonstrating their ability and commitment, Franklin students have celebrated outstanding success today as they receive their A level and Advanced BTEC / CTEC grades in the face of a planned national reduction in grades awarded to young people. Over half of all grades have been secured at the ‘high grade’ level, with almost 70 students achieving the equivalent of 3 A grades or better. A performance that ensures progression onwards to the most prestigious universities and sought-after apprenticeships. We’re really pleased to see more successful Oxbridge and Medicine applications than ever before! And we are so proud of the achievements of all of our students. Despite joining Franklin during lockdown, students rose to the unique learning challenges presented by covid and ensured a continuity of their studies and commitment to College. Growing beyond lockdown – and enjoying a return to normal College life – our students have done themselves, their families, and Franklin proud over the last few years. Their results today are testament to their tenacity and dedication – attributes we’re certain they’ll carry with them into their chosen futures. This year group has witnessed much change during their time at Franklin. This includes the introduction of our Digital Transformation Strategy and the deployment of high tech equipment across the campus, the opening of our 360o Immersive Space, and the £1.7 million redevelopment of our learning centre, The Bridge. As they leave, we’re nearing completion of a major redevelopment of our canteen area ready for our returning students and our new cohort of first years. The Chairman of Governors, Alex Baxter, said: “Team Franklin is immensely proud of our students outstanding successes, under what this year is the toughest of exam conditions. The dedication and commitment of students and tutors alike has created the conditions to succeed, with best year ever for Oxbridge entry with offers also from the most prestigious universities in the country. “This gives everyone at Franklin the confidence that our future is secure in the hands of our young people and that we can continue to provide the environment to support their future expectation together with those of our growing specialist industries across the region.” With a pass rate across our A level and BTEC / CTECs of almost 100% again this year, we know our class of 23 will go on to change their world. We hope they’ll return in a few years’ time with their success stories to inspire the next generation of Franklin graduates.”

Contractor selected for Lincolnshire children’s home

Tess Egginton
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Contractor selected for Lincolnshire children’s home
Contractor Willmott Dixon has been selected to complete the design proposals for a new secure children’s home to be built on the edge of Sleaford, Lincolnshire. Plans for the 28-bed secure facility, which will be located in Bonemill Lane on the outskirts of the town, were approved by members of Lincolnshire County Council’s planning and regulation committee on 31 July. The scheme, which is being funded by the Department for Education, will provide care for some of Lincolnshire’s most vulnerable children as well as being a national resource for secure accommodation. Nick Heath, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “This is a hugely significant scheme, not only for Lincolnshire to address an acute need for secure accommodation, but also for the wider country as it will bring together best practice from across the UK and Europe. “The new building has been designed to support the young people to get their lives ‘back on track’ using a whole host of facilities including on-site education, wellbeing, vocational and sports facilities, as well as delivering against important sustainability credentials to make the building’s legacy especially evident.” The new accommodation will aim to achieve as close to a net-zero in operation solution as possible, with a design that is majority off-grid supported by solar panels and state-of-the-art power storage. The development will also feature a new service road, a car park, a surface water attenuation pond, and landscaped areas. Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for children’s services at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “The new secure home will provide a much-improved environment for the young people living and educated there and help to meet the increased national demand for spaces. It will make sure these children are offered the required support, training and guidance in modern facilities.” The scheme has been procured via Pagabo’s Major Works framework. Willmott Dixon has been appointed as contractor and Kier is the architect for the project.

Robert Plant’s Saving Grace to visit Grimsby Auditorium on new UK tour

Tess Egginton
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Robert Plant’s Saving Grace to visit Grimsby Auditorium on new UK tour
Robert Plant’s Saving Grace, the co-operative featuring Suzi Dian (vocals), Oli Jefferson (percussion), Tony Kelsey (mandolin, baritone, acoustic guitar), and Matt Worley (banjo, acoustic, baritone guitars, cuatro) have announced a full UK tour in November 2023. Starting in Brighton on Wednesday 1st November, Saving Grace will tour some of the UK’s most striking theatres, taking to Grimsby Auditorium on Sunday 19 November 2023. Since forming in 2019, Saving Grace have received numerous acclaims for their live shows with Bob Harris describing it as “One of the best gigs I’ve seen in years: and Toni Woodward, Americana UK providing a perfect summary: “…These five musicians have produced a supreme ninety minutes of music with considered interpretations of others’ compositions, ensuring they present an innovative exploration of the songs whilst maintaining their true essence. Furthermore, this odyssey has been undertaken in the spirit of appreciation, musicianship, and exultation: they truly are a band of joy!” Following their incredible live shows, Saving Grace have just announced their first ever track release – ‘As I Roved Out’. As a thank you to ticket buyers for the upcoming tour, fans will receive an exclusive free download link to the track on their ticket confirmation upon purchase. Joining the tour as special guest will be singer, songwriter and musician Taylor McCall. The South Carolina native began his musical journey at age 7 after finding his grandfather’s guitar that was stashed under the bed. Taylor dove headfirst into mastering the instrument, completely self-taught. At 17, the songs that he put together for his debut EPs were testament to his talent as both musician and songwriter, with captivating tracks ‘Jericho Rose’, ‘Quartermaster’ and ‘Waccamaw Drive’ garnering his 26 million plays to date in his top 10. Appropriately, it’s his grandfather’s voice that opens Taylor’s striking debut album, Black Powder Soul which was released in 2021. Produced by Sean McConnell (Michael Franti, Wade Bowen), Black Powder Soul is the product of a winding musical journey for McCall and his own sense of unique musicianship incorporating self-taught styles. Tickets go on sale 10am on Friday 18 August. Book at grimsbyauditorium.org.uk, or call 0300 300 0035.

Camping with kids this summer holidays

Tess Egginton
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Camping with kids this summer holidays
The summer holidays are the perfect time to embark on an unforgettable adventure with your family. There is no better way to bond with nature and each other than on a camping trip. Taking your children camping can be an incredibly enriching experience; it provides you all with a chance to spend much-needed time together. Disconnect from screens, create memories that will last a lifetime, and immerse yourself in nature. Here are some tips from outdoors experts Valley & Peak. The great outdoors is like no other classroom Camping as a family offers unparalleled opportunities for your kids to learn about our wonderful world, focusing on nature and the environment. Observe wildlife, identify plants and stars, and experience first-hand how getting outdoors can affect our mental well-being. Let’s talk about teamwork Camping helps to foster strong family bonds by encouraging teamwork. Whether you’re setting up camp or preparing meals together, it helps to strengthen family relationships. At Valley & Peak, we stock a wide range of cooking equipment to make your cooking experience simple and fun. It’s time to unplug We’re all guilty of having a little bit too much screen time, especially during the summer holidays when days can be long and hard to fill. However, in today’s digital age, it is becoming increasingly important that we disconnect from screens and allow ourselves to reconnect with the ‘real world’. Camping gives you the opportunity to unplug and engage in real-life adventures, whether that’s hiking, cycling, foraging, or even playing a family game of rounders. Building resilience and independence is the goal Camping presents children with challenges that help them grow and develop. They will adapt to differing weather conditions, overcome obstacles when navigating a trail, and learn to persevere when faced with a challenging but fun task, such as creating a nutritious and delicious meal in your small camp ‘kitchen’. Learn to love physical activity Whilst your children may think they’ve got 6 weeks off PE, that won’t benefit their overall health. Camping provides an excellent opportunity to promote physical activity in a way they’ll enjoy. Whether it’s hiking, swimming, or playing outdoor games, there is sure to be something your kids will enjoy. We can all agree that camping can be an enriching and unforgettable adventure, helping to foster a love for nature, build resilience and independence, and bring people closer together. To have the best camping experience, you need to ensure you’ve packed all the right equipment. From sleeping bags and tents to backpacks and kitchen essentials, at Valley & Peak, we have everything you need. So, this summer, take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and embrace the outdoors with us.
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