Council approves £5m project to revitalise Skegness seafront

Stuart Pearcey
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Council approves £5m project to revitalise Skegness seafront

Councillors from East Lindsey District Council have this week approved plans to go ahead with a £5million project to regenerate Skegness Pier, the Embassy Theatre, and land along the seafront.

funded by Arts Council England’s Cultural Development Fund, the spend will see redevelopment of public spaces between the Pier and the former beach chalet site to rejuvenate the area for holidaymakers, visitors and residents.

The overall scheme also supports partners Magna Vitae in transforming the Embassy Theatre and Mellor’s Group in regenerating Skegness Pier. Cultural Revival: The Midlands Coast, led by East Lindsey District Council and overseen by the Connected Coast Board, will support the transformation of the culturally significant assets on Skegness Foreshore. The funding will support continuing plans to establish the Embassy Theatre as a new international ‘Culture House.’ which will connect the Midlands Coast to other national and international venues and festivals. Works will include refurbishing the auditorium and dressing rooms, creating a new interactive classroom and creative workspaces as well as VIP boxes and a refurbished light box to enable high quality productions, with improved access and facilities for all users, including installation of a Changing Places toilet. For Skegness Pier, the application will support the first phase of ambitious, multi-million pound redevelopment project led by the Mellors Group to restore the Pier a significant new visitor attraction and cultural platform. Redevelopment proposals include improved accessibility, upgrades to the pier’s façade, renewing the lighting and furniture on the pier. Arts Council England funding will support the creation of a safe pedestrianised walkway on the approach, the salvaging and restoring of abandoned beach huts and the construction of a new multi-use amphitheatre space, for seating and public events. Councillor Steve Kirk, portfolio holder for the coastal economy, welcomed the decision saying: “I am delighted that councillors have supported the opportunity to take another step toward making this transformational project a reality for Skegness and East Lindsey. “Alongside our other flagship Towns Fund projects, this further significant investment will help to restore and regenerate some of our key attractions, including the pier and Embassy Theatre, and strengthen the reputation of Skegness as fantastic place to live, work and visit with a rich heritage, cultural and leisure offering for people to enjoy.” Chris Baron, Chair of Connected Coast commented: “The cultural development funding is absolutely fantastic news for Skegness. Both the theatre and the pier are important cultural assets on Skegness foreshore, and the improvements to these sites and the surrounding areas will be transformational. “This funding coupled with the Towns Fund investment, will benefit both local people and visitors alike who can experience and enjoy these two spaces, and all that Skegness has to offer. The improvements will also help to attract jobs, boost the economy, enhance wellbeing, and support our pride in Skegness.”

Spilsby Show makes its return on Sunday 9 July

Tess Egginton
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Spilsby Show makes its return on Sunday 9 July

After three years without a Spilsby Show, the event will bounce back on Sunday 9 July 2023 at Spilsby Recreation Ground.

The truly spectacular return will include a host of new attractions alongside a number of returning favourites.

The showground will look a bit different, however you’ll still see the huge indoor trade and craft marquee along with a wonderful display of models. There’ll be a new look bar area too, as well as a host of catering stalls to whet your appetite. It’s going to be a very busy day!

Vintage vehicle sections return, with tractors, oil engines and cars all returning. There’ll be a whole host of shapes and sizes for you to enjoy.

The Heavy Horse Show returns with the judging commencing in their brand new area from 10:30am.

The Royal British Legion will perform their parade at 12:10pm, just after the event has been officially opened.

There’ll be plenty for the children to enjoy too – with an expanded fairground section.

If you’d prefer to relax then of course you can – the Women’s Institute will provide you with some delicious refreshments in the pavilion. There’s a host of caterers dotted around the site too – all of them offering something different.

Spilsby Show is also welcoming trade stands from all over the region, offering a range of wonderful goods and services.

There are three brand new attractions making their debut. The team from the Sessions House in Spilsby will bring their spectacular big top – never seen with Spilsby Show before! There’s also two more brand new attractions – the Savage Skills motor cycle display team join Spilsby Show in the main arena, the biggest display the show has ever had, while a 40ft climbing wall becomes the tallest attraction the show has ever had and acts as something totally different to herald the return!

You can book your tickets to the 2023 Spilsby Show online now for the very first time.

Book your tickets now!

Befriending service gets £59,000 grant from Freemasons

Stuart Pearcey
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Befriending service gets £59,000 grant from Freemasons
A befriending service covering Lincoln and the south of the county has been bolstered with a donation of £59,000 from Freemasonry. The scheme, run by Age UK Lincoln and South Lincolnshire, provides isolated and lonely people with a volunteer befriender, offering companionship on a regular basis either by telephone or in face-to-face meetings. The service is available for individuals for as long as it is needed, and is seen by many as a lifeline as more people understand how loneliness is affecting their physical and mental wellbeing. The money, provided through the Freemasons’ charity the MCF, will cover the cost of a second volunteer co-ordinator, helping the organisation to sustain the quality standards it aspires to, and helping it to be ‘approved’ in a regular assessment of its work. Nicki Lee, Volunteering Manager at Age UK Lincoln & South Lincolnshire, said: “The Age UK befriending service is a long-term commitment. We all get older; once people join us they tend to stay. A few left us after Covid, when things opened up again and they could go to the things they used to enjoy, but most stay with us for the long term. The people we befriend become friends, and ask for help with things we wouldn’t normally provide. Sometimes they have no-one else to ask, and that’s when befriending morphs into something else. “We always try to bring people together who we know will get on; the service succeeds by having the right mix of people.” Service user Kath and her befriender Ann illustrate this perfectly. Kath said of Ann: “She’s a brilliant lady; always laughing. She has made a massive difference to me.” Ann said of Kath: “She has a wicked sense of humour. We have weekly giggles. We share common interests; enjoy gardens and birdwatching, read the same sort of books, enjoy the same kind of TV, and we’ve been to the cinema together.”

Nicki added: “We’re very grateful to Lincolnshire Freemasons for their generous grant, which make a huge difference to the lives of older people locally, especially in South Lincolnshire, where we see a greater need. We also aim to encourage more people to get involved through volunteering, to enjoy the fun and friendship it brings.”

Dave Wheeler, Lincolnshire Freemasons’ Provincial Grand Master, said: “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to help Age UK with this hugely important programme to reach out to lonely and isolated older people in our county. Research shows that loneliness can have the same effect on an older person’s health as smoking ten cigarettes a day. It’s a serious situation Age UK is working hard to challenge.”

To access the service or to volunteer, call 03455 564144.

Mum skydives to launch fundraising campaign in memory of daughter who died of brain cancer

Tess Egginton
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Mum skydives to launch fundraising campaign in memory of daughter who died of brain cancer

The mother of a four-year-old girl who died from a brain tumour in March is to skydive from 13,000ft to launch a fundraising campaign in her memory.

Lily Harley, of Louth, near Grimsby, was diagnosed with a cancer rarely seen in children after her parents noticed a change in her behaviour over Christmas 2021.

Despite dozens of treatments and receiving the all-clear late last year, the cancer returned and Lily died on 28 March in her parents’ arms.

Lily’s Rainbow Fund launches on Wednesday 28 June – exactly three months since Lily’s death – with the aim of raising £25,000 in the first year.

Mum Emily Morton, 26, and partner Josh Harley, 28, have set up Lily’s Rainbow Fund to raise money for other children and families who find themselves in the same situation.

Working with OSCAR’s Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity, Emily and Josh want to help fund support and care programs for children with brain tumours and their families, raise awareness of signs and symptoms in children, and support research into better treatments.

They have a number of fundraising activities lined up, including a charity football match, a family fun day in September to mark six months since her passing, and a mountain climb.

Lily was first diagnosed with the disease in 2022 after her parents noticed changes in her behaviour over Christmas 2021.

An MRI scan showed she had a rare form of cancer, ependymoma, which grows on the brain and spinal cord. It is rarely seen in children.

After 20 hours of surgery at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, Lily’s cancer was removed.

Lily was asked to take part in a clinical trial in Germany, and following 32 treatments in the city of Essen, it appeared as though the cancer had gone. A routine check-up in September showed she was all clear.

Sadly, another MRI scan at the start of this year revealed her cancer had returned, with new tumours at the base of her back, on her chest and in parts of her brain fluid.

The form the cancer had taken meant it could not be treated and Emily and Josh had to prepare to say goodbye to their young daughter. Friends and family raised money to allow the family to have fun experiences together such as a helicopter ride with Elsa from Frozen and a VIP Safari trip.

Lily’s mum Emily Morton said: “In true Lily style, she was smiling, singing, talking about her dogs and playing until the very end.

“Although Lily’s time on Earth ended far too soon, she made an impact to last a lifetime. The happiness and love that she spread spoke volumes and she was a blessing. As her parents, we hope that her life and legacy continue to be impactful and we will strive to make a difference to others faced with our situation.”

Phil Martinez, Charity Manager of OSCAR’s Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We have been deeply affected by Lily’s story and are so grateful that they wanted to work with us to support children and families.

“For Emily and Josh’s thoughts to immediately turn to other children and families while they are still grieving for their own child is beyond inspiring. Lily’s Rainbow Fund is named to echo her love of rainbows, and also because the funds raised can hopefully bring sunshine to a stormy time in people’s lives.

“We are excited to see the events Lily’s Rainbow Fund have planned and welcome them into the OSCAR’s family. It will be fantastic to have them join us on our events such as the Edale Skyline Family Mountain Challenge in May 2024 and our Inflatable 5k run.”

To donate to Lily’s Rainbow Fund go to https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/lilys-rainbow-fund

South Kesteven District Council to fund mobile food hubs

Tess Egginton
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South Kesteven District Council to fund mobile food hubs
A community food organisation that helps people on low incomes eat more healthily is planning to establish five hubs across South Kesteven. Founded in Manchester in 2016, The Bread and Butter Thing (TBBT) operates mobile affordable food clubs offering quality, nutritious food. It is currently working in 95 locations across the country. South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) has agreed £152,000-worth of funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) that will enable TBBT to establish two mobile hubs in Grantham, and one each in Stamford, Bourne and The Deepings. Cllr Rhea Rayside, Cabinet Member for People and Communities, said: “Sadly, many people across our District are struggling to make ends meet, but this is a great initiative that will make life a little easier for some. “As a Council, we are proud to be supporting the work of The Bread and Butter Thing and to be providing additional support for those residents who need it most, improving local access to healthy food and reducing financial strain for our residents.” TBBT works in partnership with supermarkets, factories and farms to redistribute surplus food that would otherwise go to waste because it’s wrongly labelled or there is too much of it. At its weekly hubs, TBBT’s members access three bags of fruit and veg, chilled food and cupboard staples at deeply discounted prices, enabling them to feed their families, improving diets and saving them money for other household priorities. Heathy Start cards are accepted and low cost period products are also available. TBBT extends the benefits of its hubs further by working with partners to provide expert advice and practical solutions in income maximisation, energy, digital exclusion and mental health support. Mark Game, Chief Executive of TBBT, said: “We aim to unleash the power of affordable food and use it to ignite long-lasting change in struggling neighbourhoods. “Our members tell us that over 80% of them have previously had to skip meals to feed their families. By using TBBT, most save £25 a week on their food budgets, money which they can then use for other household priorities. They also benefit from better quality and a bigger variety of food. Plus, we save tonnes of surplus edible food from going to waste. “We are delighted to be working with SKDC to bring the benefits of our mobile food clubs to five new communities across the district.” SKDC has been allocated £3,898,582 from the UKSPF as part of the Government’s Levelling Up process. The fund can support projects that build pride in place, improve the places where people live, and that support individuals and businesses to thrive. Details of TBBT launch dates and venues will be announced in due course.

Urban living in Grimsby Town Centre takes step forward

Tess Egginton
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Urban living in Grimsby Town Centre takes step forward
A vision to create modern, smart homes on a riverside setting in Grimsby’s town centre are taking a step forward. Following discussions between North East Lincolnshire Council and Homes England, central Government funding has been agreed to allow investigative work to take place at Alexandra Dock. This will centre on six-acres of council-owned land behind the new Horizon OnSide Youth Zone and next to the remodelled Garth Lane bridge and walkway alongside the water. Around two weeks of specialist contract work, which starts on Monday 3 July, will determine the land type and what is beneath the surface – essential investigations ahead of preparing the site further. This area was earmarked for homes in Grimsby’s Town Centre Masterplan – cited as an ideal location given the water nearby and the improvements that have already taken place. Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the council with responsibilities for the economy, net zero, skills and housing, said: “The main objective of this work is to create a place that connects the town and its community with its waterside, creating a fantastic urban living environment that’s kind to the planet. “There’s a long way to go yet, and developments of this scale don’t happen overnight. But we are working to improve the town centre as a whole and this is part of that vision. Step-by-step we want to change how our centre is used and enjoyed as a whole.”

Car salesman turns to pedal power in aid of the NHS

Tess Egginton
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Car salesman turns to pedal power in aid of the NHS
A diabetic car salesman is swapping four wheels for two in a bid to say thank you to the NHS in Lincolnshire. New car sales executive Harry Alcock, 20, says support from the NHS and advances in technology have transformed his life. Diabetes runs in Harry’s family. His grandfather sadly passed away due to conditions linked to the chronic disease. His older brother has also been diagnosed with coeliac disease and diabetes. Harry said: “Diabetes runs in our family and contributed to my grandfather’s death. Thanks to the NHS, research and advances in technology I am able to monitor and control my blood sugar levels using devices and apps, something Grandad could never have dreamt of. “Thanks to all of the support from the NHS I am able to lead a normal life and am able to take on this challenge as my way of saying thank you.” This year the NHS will celebrate its 75th anniversary on Wednesday 5 July. While others might mark the occasion with tea, cake and balloons, Harry will be jumping on his bike and cycling from Pilgrim Hospital, Boston, to Grantham and District Hospital to Newark Hospital, before finally finishing at Lincoln County Hospital. Along the route he is also planning to visit colleagues at Evans Halshaw in Grantham and Lincoln to make sure he reaches 75 miles in total. Harry, who lives in Woodhall Spa, is using the challenge to raise funds for the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity. Gary Burr, who works for the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity as a fundraiser, said: “Harry is an inspiration. It will mean so much to our NHS colleagues to see him visit our hospital sites on the birthday of the NHS. His efforts will not only enable our charity to do even more to support patients and staff, but his visit will also put a smile on the faces of so many patients and colleagues.” Harry said: “I only started cycling in February, but if anyone would like to join me for all, or part of the journey, you will be very welcome. We all have something to be thankful to the NHS for. “My colleagues at Evans Halshaw have been a great support and I am looking forward to seeing them on the day of the ride.” Harry has set up a fundraising page, so even if you cannot join him in person you can donate https://gofund.me/99fa5c5e If you would like to join the ride, please email charities.team@ulh.nhs.uk

Curry and conversation bring Freemasons closer together

Stuart Pearcey
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Curry and conversation bring Freemasons closer together
When four Grantham Freemasons went for a curry together four years ago they could hardly have imagined that their numbers would grow to include about 60 Freemasons and friends who enjoy getting together for curry, conversation, and beer every four to six weeks. What began as a gathering of members of the town’s Doric Lodge has evolved into The Grantham Curry Club, involving members of four of the town’s craft lodges, with 35 or 40 of the members taking part each time. Doric Lodge member Chris Watkin set it up. He said: “The Grantham Curry Club serves a dual purpose for Lincolnshire Freemasonry in general, and the Grantham Freemasons in particular. Firstly, it strengthens the bond amongst our existing members, providing an additional avenue for fostering meaningful connections and maintaining a sense of unity. Secondly, it acts as a nurturing hub, introducing interested individuals to the principles and values of Freemasonry.” Over the past three years, the Grantham Curry Club has successfully nurtured twelve new Freemasons, who have since been warmly welcomed as members of the four distinct Grantham lodges. The club’s dedication to integrating newcomers and showcasing the benefits of Freemasonry has propelled its growth and contributed to the continued success of this thriving initiative. Curry Club member Simon Butler, a past master of the William Peters Lodge, expressed his enthusiasm: “The Grantham Curry Club has truly become a beacon of friendship and inclusivity within our Freemasonry community. We are delighted to see new faces embrace our values and traditions, ensuring the legacy of our craft in Grantham continues to flourish.” Grantham Freemasons are thrilled by the achievements of their Curry Club and eagerly look forward to further expansion and engagement in the future. Chris added: “This extraordinary initiative exemplifies the commitment of Freemasons in Grantham to strengthen bonds, forge new connections, and positively impact the local community.”

Planning permissions secured for ground-breaking renewable-focused hub

Tess Egginton
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Planning permissions secured for ground-breaking renewable-focused hub
Planning has been granted for Projekt Renewable to land in Grimsby. Supported by myenergi, RWE Renewables UK and the Town Deal, phase one of this ground-breaking scheme promises not only to celebrate the opportunities presented by sustainable energy production in the area and be a catalyst for the green economic regeneration of the town but also to bridge the gap between industry and community with a summer offering for everyone to enjoy.
With the aim of bringing together Grimsby’s celebrated small businesses this summer in a pop-up style programme of events, Projekt Renewable will ensure this hub of discovery is the centre of attention during the coast’s high season this year. An immersive educational and cultural destination, Projekt Renewable will be landing – quite literally – in Alexandra Dock within a matter of weeks. Projekt director, Richard Askam, added: “It’s taken two years of hard work to get to this stage and now, over the next weeks, we’ll bring Phase One of Projekt Renewable to life. Designed to allow everyone to see and hear the opportunity that already exists in our area but is still largely hidden. “It’s time to write the next chapter in Grimsby’s history, and that is as a world leader in renewable energy. A huge thank you goes out to everyone that has been involved and supported so far, especially Richard Dowson who has been instrumental in getting Projekt off the ground.” North East Lincolnshire Council leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “On behalf of everyone at the council, I would like to thank all the individuals and partners who have had the vision and determination to make Projekt Renewable a reality. “The success of our young people will define North East Lincolnshire’s future and we need them to see the opportunities that are on their doorsteps and be inspired to take those opportunities. Projekt Renewable will do just that.” The driving force behind the delivery of Projekt Renewable is WhiteCrate – the container architecture design and production company – having successfully delivered many projects, pushing the boundaries and perceptions of the humble shipping container and creating destinations and spaces, throughout the UK and Europe; including innovative markets in Altrincham and Wolverhampton, Hatch in Manchester and even the Fan Park at Liverpool FC. And while residents and visitors are being urged to soak up the summer programme, local music and pop-up food and drinks vendors that appear, Jon Flowerdew, Managing Director at WhiteCrate Ltd, explains that this is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the goals, they have set for Projekt Renewable. “WhiteCrate is incredibly proud to be delivering this transformative regeneration project in Grimsby, as we work together to create a vibrant new destination,” said Jon. “It is a testament to the vision and dedication of all involved that we are shaping a future where communities can thrive, and where Grimsby can shine a light on its thriving renewable energy industry and the opportunities it creates for the region and the UK.
“This project represents WhiteCrate’s commitment to revitalising urban spaces, fostering economic growth, and creating a lasting legacy and destination that will benefit generations to come.” The first step in a phased destination project, created to inspire young minds and the local community, the launch and summer programme are just the beginning of what will be an ever-evolving narrative. Emma Brigginshaw, Head of Sustainability and Ethics at myenergi, said: “At myenergi, we are focused on removing the barriers to a greener future. Our mission is a commitment to pioneering a simple transition to renewable energy, so we are passionate about showcasing the benefits of renewable energy and showing people how they can harness these benefits for themselves, to gain greater energy independence. “We are proud to support Projekt Renewable, which will not only help educate and inspire future talent and the local community but thanks to its facilities, will be able to share this message with a much bigger audience nationwide.” Guy Middleton, General Manager for the RWE Grimsby Hub, added: “As a founding patron of Projekt Renewable, we are delighted to have reached this important milestone for the project. “Projekt Renewable is such an important resource for the local region and the wider renewables industry and we are so excited to be a part of it! It is vital that we can demonstrate what the renewables industry has to offer the younger generation and encourage them to consider roles in our industry if we are going to meet our net zero targets.” Chloe McKeown, Social Media and Marketing Manager at Mockingbird Street Food, said: “This project is something Mockingbird would love to wholeheartedly champion. A celebration of both Grimsby’s rich history and its exciting future within the renewable energy industry, we love the community focus at the core of Projekt Renewable. “As a company, Mockingbird are fully committed to all things ‘Great Grimsby’ and it’s fantastic to see the plans in place to raise youth aspirations within Grimsby and beyond, which will without doubt inspire the next generation of very proud, successful Grimbarians. “The message that Grimsby and its surrounding areas are cool and accessible, but also aspirational is something we try to regularly promote as part of our brand ethos, and something we are delighted that Projekt Renewable shares.”
The team and patrons supporting Projekt Renewable aim to bring emerging careers in renewables to life with an immersive experience that the community and schools can get deeply involved with. VR experiences and hands-on demonstrations of the jobs available in the Humber ‘energy estuary’ will be housed in the trio of containers, which will also function as workspaces for local businesses and creatives. The Projekt team is also looking to launch their own Projekt-podcast utilising the on-site studio. Hosted by Richard Askam in the first instance, the podcast will shine a light on those already invested and working within the renewables sector and also showcase how the local community can create user-generated content, powerful in its own right, allowing the people to ‘own’ the space and connect with it on a deeper level. Officially supported by the home-grown talent that is to be found at RWE Renewables UK, myenergi, North East Lincolnshire Council, the Crown Estate, WhiteCrate, Forrester Boyd, Wilkin Chapman, Knapton Wright, Docks Academy and Mockingbird, the collective vision is for Projekt Renewable to gain national significance. With the ability to beam into primary and secondary schools and further and higher education establishments up and down the country, but starting with the local area, Projekt Renewable plans on using hand-picked experts in the purpose-built dedicated studio to create their own PRG Studio Content. Bursting with relevant but exciting content and connecting with schools throughout the full academic year, Projekt Renewable will be bringing the renewables industry alive for school children and the younger generation, educating with purpose and creating UK homegrown talent and the next generation of renewable energy experts.

New Lincoln primary school for special needs pupils opened

Tess Egginton
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0
New Lincoln primary school for special needs pupils opened
The new £13m St Christopher’s Primary School in Lincoln has been officially opened.
The new 130-place special school includes 15 classrooms alongside therapy spaces such as sensory and soft play. In addition, there is a large hall, a hydrotherapy pool and physiotherapy and medical rooms. The new school complements St Christopher’s current Hykeham Road site, which will now be home to its secondary-aged pupils only. These current buildings are also being extensively redeveloped and remodelled as part of the improvement project. Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for children’s services, said: “The council wants to ensure that all children can access high-quality education, as near to their family and local community as possible. “To help achieve that, we’re investing £100m in improving our special schools. “St Christopher’s School has experienced significant growth over the last few years, and the new site will help ensure that there are sufficient spaces to meet local demand. “This will mean more pupils with SEND can attend their local school rather than having to travel large distances for their education, which will be of great benefit to both the children and their families.” Kyna Adkins, headteacher at St Christopher’s School, added: “St Christopher is the patron saint of journeys, and what a fantastic journey this building project has been. “Since moving into our beautiful new building, we have been able to provide our pupils with the learning environment they deserve. “Over the last month, as pupils and staff have settled into the school, we have seen an extraordinary reduction in behaviours that challenge and exponential progress in pupils’ independence, communication, and engagement. “With our wonderful new primary school building we are determined to create an education that is ambitious and aspirational for all our pupils. “It is an absolute privilege working with children and young people with special educational needs as we know just how much they can contribute to our community. “On behalf of staff, pupils, and families, I want to thank everyone who has invested in our school, as well as the investment for future generations of young learners for Lincolnshire.” The building work was carried out by Wates, with the funding provided by the county council.
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