Climbing operator secures funding for Lincoln centre

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An indoor climbing operator has secured £150,000 to expand its business with the launch of a third venue, creating seven jobs in Lincoln. Freeklime, which currently has centres in Huddersfield and York, has already started construction at the new site in Lincoln, which is due to open early next year. The loan, from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, will enable it to complete the fit-out and create new jobs. Freeklime was founded by climbing enthusiast Chris Whitehead, the managing director, and his father Rob, a serial entrepreneur who runs the Serious Sweet Confectionery Group in Harrogate and acts as a non-executive director. They launched the Huddersfield centre in 2019 and York in 2023. Between them, the two sites now attract around 100,000 visitors a year and have over 1,000 members on monthly subscriptions. The company, which currently employs 16 staff, aims to have five profitable sites by 2030 with a turnover of £3m. Chris Whitehead, founder and managing director of Freeklime, said: “The funding will enable us to expand outside Yorkshire for the first time in line with our long-term growth plans and our mission to make climbing accessible to a wider audience.”   Image: Freeklime founder Chris Whitehead pictured with Andy Clough and My-Ha Hoang of Mercia. Credit: Shaun Flannery/shaunflanneryphotography.com

Skin Couture Beauty Caistor wins ‘Best Small Beauty Salon’ at the 2025 BABTAC Awards

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Skin Couture Beauty is celebrating national recognition after being crowned ‘Best Small Beauty Salon’ at the prestigious BABTAC 2025 Awards, held at the Fairmont Windsor on November 9th 2025. The award honours excellence, professionalism and innovation in the beauty industry – and Skin Couture triumphed amid exceptionally strong competition from salons across the UK. Salon managing director Toni-Lee Richardson was also named a finalist in the Holistic Therapist of the Year category, highlighting the salon’s reputation for combining advanced skincare expertise with a holistic, guest-centred approach. Speaking after the win Toni-Lee Richardson, managing director of Skin Couture, said: “We are incredibly honoured to be recognised by BABTAC as the Best Small Beauty Salon in the UK. This award is a reflection of our team’s dedication, passion and commitment to delivering exceptional guest care and results. To also be a finalist in the Holistic Therapist category makes this recognition even more special.” Founded in 2013, Skin Couture has become a leading name offering advanced skincare and holistic beauty in Lincolnshire, known for its bespoke approach to treatments, results-driven skincare and nurturing atmosphere. The BABTAC (British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology) Awards are among the most respected in the beauty industry, celebrating the highest standards of professionalism and excellence in beauty, holistic and aesthetic therapy. For Skin Couture, the win marks a significant milestone and reinforces its position as a standout destination for beauty and wellness in the region.

New on-demand buses strengthen Lincolnshire’s rural connections

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Lincolnshire County Council has rolled out 10 new Mercedes-Benz Cityline 517 Pro vehicles as part of its Callconnect on-demand transport network. The addition marks a significant upgrade in accessibility and passenger comfort for communities in Spalding, Grantham, Horncastle, Louth, and Lincoln.

The 16-seat vehicles were funded through a Department for Transport grant and feature low-floor entry, access ramps, air conditioning, and USB charging ports. The upgrades are aimed at improving both convenience and inclusivity for passengers.

Mike Reed, Head of Transport of LCC said: “It is a real pleasure see these vehicles ready to start serving people. Securing funding to invest in new Callconnect buses demonstrates Lincolnshire County Council’s commitment to rural public transport.”

Callconnect, which has operated since 2001, provides flexible transport options for rural and semi-rural communities where fixed-route public transport is limited. The service combines bookable and timetabled journeys, ensuring connectivity between smaller villages, towns, and major transport links across the county.

Operating six days a week, Callconnect runs from early morning until early evening and follows a simple fare structure of £1, £2, and £3. Bookings can be made via the Callconnect and Citymapper apps, giving residents easier access to essential transport services and supporting local mobility infrastructure.

  Image credit: Lincolnshire City Council

Major transformation breathes new life into The Railway Inn, Thorpe on the Hill

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The Railway Inn, Thorpe on the Hill has recently undergone a major transformation, breathing new life into a small, local village pub. The journey began with an ambitious renovation, which saw the dining area beautifully redecorated, and the kitchen rebuilt from its foundations. This bold undertaking marked the start of a new era, defined by unwavering passion and a commitment to deliver an exceptional experience for all who walk through the doors.
Head chef Tom
At the centre of this is talented head chef, Tom, and his dedicated team. Joining The Railway Inn at a crucial moment, they have reimagined the menu and set new standards for quality and creativity. Their combined experience and enthusiasm for their profession has turned every dish into a celebration of flavour and artistry. Tom played a key role in designing a kitchen that fosters both inspiration and efficiency, enabling his team to consistently deliver outstanding service and presentation. The results speak for themselves. The Railway Inn has quickly gained a reputation for delicious food and great hospitality, with a menu that showcases the finest seasonal ingredients and flavour combinations. The community has embraced these changes and word continues to spread about the dining experience on offer. This journey has not only revitalised The Railway Inn but has also brought the village together, creating an atmosphere where everyone is welcome.

North Lincolnshire Museum revisits cinema’s golden years

This winter, the North Lincolnshire Museum will take visitors on a nostalgic trip through more than a century of local film history. Opening on 22 November 2025, Picture House Past: Cinemas of North Lincolnshire runs until 3 May 2026, celebrating the region’s cinematic heritage from the 1890s to the final screenings at Scunthorpe’s Majestic Cinema in 2003.

The free exhibition showcases the role that cinemas once played in community life, with displays featuring vintage photographs, original equipment, posters, and memorabilia. A highlight of the exhibition is the return of the Majestic Cinema mosaic, carefully preserved after being removed from the building before its demolition.

Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for community wellbeing (urban), said: “Cinemas once played a central role in community life across North Lincolnshire, they were places where people came together, shared moments, and made memories. This exhibition not only celebrates that vibrant past but brings it to life for a new generation.

“From the conservation of the Majestic mosaic to the voices of local people sharing their stories, we’re bringing something that really matters to our communities – a connection to our shared heritage, and pride in our local identity.”

Short films and personal accounts from residents bring to life the excitement of early movie-going, capturing a time when the silver screen was a shared experience that connected generations. The exhibition forms part of the Council’s wider efforts to preserve North Lincolnshire’s cultural identity and ensure local heritage remains accessible to all.

  Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council

Grimsby plans £20 million community-led investment fund

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Grimsby is preparing to take a new approach to regeneration, with residents expected to take direct ownership of a £20 million investment aimed at reshaping the town’s future.

The initiative forms part of the UK Government’s £5 billion Pride in Place programme, which provides long-term funding to 339 areas nationwide to improve local housing, public spaces, and community facilities. Grimsby is eligible for up to £20 million over the next decade, with an emphasis on ensuring decisions are driven by the people who live and work in the town.

Nine community-led working groups have been established to focus on themes such as housing, the environment, and revitalising the town centre. These groups have been meeting regularly since June to discuss priorities and potential projects.

Joe Brumby, Director of Operations at CARE, said: “I think this is brilliant. We’re putting money to the public and asking them what the money can go toward to see how they think it can best be spent. There’s some great things going on across Grimsby with a range of sectors and I think, going forward, it will only be positive and I’m sure it’ll be spent in the right places to move Grimsby forward.”

The Grimsby Together partnership, supported by Our Future, the Greater Grimsby Board and North East Lincolnshire Council, is leading the process. The partnership has proposed the creation of a “Grimsby Fund,” an independent, community-owned vehicle designed to manage investments and attract additional funding beyond the 10-year government programme.

Approval from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is expected in December, paving the way for the fund’s official launch.

  Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council

Lincolnshire pub with guest rooms placed on market

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A well-known gastropub in Ulceby, Lincolnshire, has been listed for sale. The Yarborough Arms, a freehold public house featuring three en suite letting rooms and a two-bedroom apartment, is being marketed by Christie & Co.

The venue includes three dining and bar areas with capacity for around 80 guests, a dedicated games room, and outdoor seating. It also offers on-site parking for customers and staff.

Located close to the A1077, A180, and M180, the property provides strong transport links to nearby towns such as Grimsby, Immingham, and Scunthorpe. Ulceby railway station, just a short distance away, offers regular services with national connections.

The Yarborough Arms is well established in the local community and attracts visitors drawn to the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Owned and operated by Mary and Darrell Beaver, the pub is being sold as part of their retirement plans. Christie & Co is overseeing the sale.

  Image credit: Christie & Co.

Poppy display returns to brighten Grantham’s Remembrance events

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A vibrant poppy installation has returned to Grantham’s Guildhall in time for this year’s Remembrance commemorations, bringing a burst of colour and reflection to the town centre.

Created by volunteers and first unveiled in 2023, the display features hundreds of hand-stitched poppies attached to military camouflage netting that now adorns the steps of the Guildhall. Alongside them stand painted silhouettes depicting figures from Britain’s wartime history, including a First World War soldier, a land girl, a Navy Wren and a Second World War paratrooper — artworks researched and painted by Grantham College students in collaboration with Grantham Arts.

After being relocated last year due to maintenance work, the poppy falls and silhouettes have returned to their original location, once again forming a striking visual centrepiece for the community’s Remembrance activities.

SKDC Armed Forces Champion Cllr Bridget Ley said; “We are delighted to see them back in place this year and proud to contribute to the Royal British Legion’s annual commemoration. The poppy is the symbol of Remembrance and our need to remember the sacrifices made by our military both back through history and those serving today.”

  Image credit: South Kesteven District Council

Council launches employment initiative to support care leavers in North East Lincolnshire

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North East Lincolnshire Council has announced a new employment programme designed to help young people leaving care gain skills and secure work.

The Family Enterprise scheme aims to address the challenges faced by care leavers in entering the workforce, including low employment rates and limited access to training. Around 41% of care leavers aged 19 to 21 across the UK are not in education, employment, or training, with local figures even higher.

Councillor Margaret Cracknell, Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, said the initiative marks a crucial investment in the region’s young people. “This programme is a vital step forward in helping care leavers access meaningful employment opportunities. By working closely with local businesses and partners, we are creating pathways that support young people into work, training or further education.”

Developed with input from care-experienced young people, the programme follows a successful pilot run earlier this year. Participants will take part in an 8 to 12-week course delivered by Grimsby-based training provider CPO, covering accredited learning, skills assessments, and wellbeing support. The initiative also connects participants with local employers offering placements, voluntary roles, or apprenticeships.

Ann-Marie Matson, Director of Children’s Services at North East Lincolnshire Council, said the scheme reflects a community-wide effort to back young people transitioning from care. “Our care leavers have so much potential, and this programme is about giving them the chance to thrive. It has been shaped with their voices at the heart, and I hope our community will come together to support them. When young people feel seen, heard and supported, the outcomes can be life changing.”

The scheme builds on an existing network of over 150 Foster Friendly businesses across North East Lincolnshire. The council is encouraging more local employers to engage with the initiative, which will launch its first full cohort in January 2026.

  Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council

North Lincolnshire to honour the armed forces

North Lincolnshire will honour the service and sacrifice of the armed forces on Remembrance Sunday, at a parade and remembrance service in Scunthorpe on 9 November. The parade will assemble outside The Baths Hall, from 10.10am, and begin its procession at 10.25am. Participants are invited to gather for tea and coffee in the venue from 9.30am or join outside from 10am. The parade, including serving personnel, veterans, military organisations and uniformed groups, will proceed along Doncaster Road to the Cenotaph outside North Lincolnshire Museum. The service will begin at 10.45am with an Act of Remembrance and a two-minute silence at 11am, followed by wreath laying. The parade will then return to The Baths Hall via Vicarage Gardens. Following the service, The Baths Hall will welcome those who wish to come together for refreshments and reflection. Cllr Carol Ross, Mayor of North Lincolnshire, said: “It is a privilege to lead our community in remembering and honouring the immense contribution of our armed forces – those who serve today and those who have served. This Remembrance Sunday offers us all the opportunity to come together in respect, gratitude, and unity. I look forward to our community standing side by side to pay tribute and reflect.” The service has been organised in collaboration with the Royal British Legion Scunthorpe Branch and the 146 Divisional Support Company REME. Cllr Elaine Marper, Armed Forces Champion for the council, added: “Our armed forces have long safeguarded our nation and our freedoms, and it is right that we mark both their past and present service. The council remains committed to supporting our military community, veterans, and their families through the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant and will continue to uphold that promise.” Free parking will be available in town centre car parks. Road closures will be in place on Doncaster Road, Oswald Road, Vicarage Gardens, and Exeter Road between 10am and 12noon, and stewards will be on site.
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Seadog81