Work starts on one of Grimsby’s biggest single investments
Work has started on site on one of the biggest single investments in Grimsby town centre’s history, the Freshney Place leisure scheme and associated new food hall and complementary market.
National construction company GMI Construction Group will lead the build of the leisure scheme, having worked on similar projects in other towns and cities across the UK.
Ed Weston, GMI’s Commercial Director, said: “We are proud to be part of this transformative project that will breathe new life into the town centre. Our expertise in delivering both urban regeneration projects and high-quality mixed-use developments will ensure that Freshney Place becomes a vibrant destination for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”
Amanda Austin, Centre Director, Freshney Place, said: “This is a major milestone for Freshney Place and the wider Grimsby town centre. The start of construction marks the beginning of an exciting transformation as we develop a fantastic new offering.
“Freshney Place has served the community for nearly 50 years, and as work gets underway we can be confident it will remain a popular destination for the people of Grimsby into the future.
“We look forward to sharing progress as the works continue, and want to reassure our customers that it will be business as usual throughout the development phase.”
North East Lincolnshire Council leader Philip Jackson said: “We promised to get the main work started early in 2025, and that’s what’s happening. We’re on a hugely ambitious journey, with significant investment of public funds across our towns and borough. We’re investing in one of the largest schemes this council has ever invested in. We believe this is right for the town.
“Our Freshney Place regeneration scheme is, in my firm belief, the most important regeneration project we have seen in North East Lincolnshire. It is key to the future of our town centre – underpinning the other regeneration taking place as well as securing the future of Freshney Place and the 1,700 local jobs it supports.”
Following initial works within Top Town Market last week as soon as it closed, the focus now is to complete an internal strip out of the building, including mechanical and electrical fittings as well as asbestos removal.
This will be followed with the demolition of the market building in the summer. The external demolition of the former BHS building will start in early March. The hoardings are up to make sure that there’s a safe working environment for all those on site.
Hoardings will be put up in Victoria Street, from Devonshire House to the former House of Fraser building, signalling the start of the main works. Flottergate Mall entrance to Freshney Place has also been closed off.
The main entrances to Freshney Place at Riverhead Square and Brewery Street remain open as normal. Additionally, the market roof car park is to be closed off from Monday 17 February.
Donations enable ‘dementia pets’ to be given to Lincolnshire hospital wards
Charitable donations are enabling ‘dementia pets’ to be given to hospital wards in Lincolnshire.
The fluffy cats and dogs will soon provide comfort to patients with severe dementia through one of the simplest forms of therapy – a cuddle.
The project has been supported by the Trust’s Safeguarding and Patient Experience Teams and led by the Trust’s dementia practitioners.
The sensory aids are being offered to help sooth dementia patients during their stay within United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
The Precious Petzzz are life-like animals, the cats purr and they all simulate breathing as they sit on the beds and laps of patients.
The designs include spaniel and border collie puppies, as well as a variety of cats. All come with their own bed.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity has funded these sensory dog and cat aids which will soon be available at Lincoln, Grantham and Pilgrim hospitals.
The aids have been endorsed by the Alzheimer’s Society and are being introduced in accordance with Dementia UK guidance.
Group Director of Safeguarding and Patient Experience, Craig Ferris, said: “Spending time in hospital is unsettling for anyone, but particularly for our patients living with dementia. Sometimes having something familiar or a friendly distraction can bring great comfort. We are really grateful to the charity for supporting this amazing project.”
Charity Manager, Ben Petts, said: “As a charity we fund the extras not provided by NHS budgets. When we heard about the project and the difference it will make, we didn’t hesitate to get on board and fund 146 dementia pets. These will all be able to go home with the patients at the end of their hospital stay.”
Image credit: United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Lincoln Festival of History returns for second year
Lincoln Festival of History is returning for a second year and will be staged between May 3rd and 5th between 11am to 5pm.
Organised by City of Lincoln’s Events in Lincoln team, it promises a journey through time with an array of activities, performances, and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages.
During the festival, Lincoln will come alive as a living time capsule, with captivating historical reenactments and themed events spread across the city centre. Imagine travelling through time with experiences that bring Lincoln’s history to life.
In Cornhill Square, visitors can see Viking performances and battle sequences as well as the living history of Viking encampments and displays.
City Square will present the opportunity for the public to immerse themselves in the spirit of the 1940s with authentic and vintage displays.
At St Paul in the Bail, visitors can enjoy the all-new Knight School, a hands-on, interactive feature debuting in 2025. Children can dress in costume, purchase their own knightly weapons, and learn the skills to become the perfect knight.
Visitors can step back in time to explore a traditional Roman market in Castle Square with stalls including a bakery, a blacksmith, and a tile-maker.
Across the weekend, there will also be the chance to explore the vibrant maker’s market and antiques fair, where there will be opportunities to witness first hand demonstrations of pottery making, for example.
Chris’s round-Britain walk funds two years of charity’s mental health care for children
Tumultuous applause and a standing ovation rewarded Chris Jones when he was given a unique certificate to recognise that no-one has raised more than him for the Freemasons’ charity the MCF.
But the certificate will soon have to be thrown away and updated, says Howard Wilson, MCF Trustee and Chair of the Fundraising Committee, who presented it. He said: “Earlier this week we printed one saying he’d raised £75,000; today I have one saying £80,000, and already he’s exceeded that.”
Howard explained what Chris’s fundraising efforts of walking almost 6,500 miles around the coastline of the UK meant to the charity. He said: “We have started helping children suffering with mental health issues; the money Chris has raised by completing this walk means he has single-handedly covered the cost of that work for two years. It’s a magnificent achievement.”
Chris, from Woodall Spa, brought his two-year walk around the entire coastline of mainland Britain, and some of its islands, to a close with a finale event at the Doubletree by Hilton in Lincoln, during which he shared details of some of the privations involved in walking almost 6,500 miles – such as the discovery that clotted cream and his digestive system aren’t the best of friends. Said Chris: “Lots of places are closing public toilets. It wasn’t a happy time.”
The talk, attended by about 100 people, was followed by an auction raising more than £3,000 towards his ambition to raise £100,000. Up for auction were ‘unbuyable’ gifts Chris had been given during his travels, such as a bottle of port signed by every one of the yeoman wardens at the Tower of London, and spirits produced exclusively for the SAS and Special Boat Squadron.
Said Chris: “We’ve drawn a line under the walk now. It’s time to move on and do something else.” That said, he is working on a book which he hopes will help others who might be undergoing the same mental health anguish which led him to pull on his boots and set off from Skegness on New Year’s Day 2023. He said: “I’d intended just to set off on my own with no sort of fuss; it didn’t work out quite like that…”
The walk in numbers 2 years 4 shirts, three hats, one set of walking poles – but only two pairs of pants and socks 6 pairs of boots 110 Masonic Centres visited 427 nights in a tent 72 nights indoors, including caravans, a boat, motorhomes, a masonic hall, a church, a beer festival marquee stage, but only two beaches… 378 days walked 6,479 miles walked 13,324,917 steps taken 44 Masonic Provinces visited; 21 in England and Wales; 23 in Scotland 12 islands walked on: Orkney, Skye, Mull, Aaran, Anglesey, Scilly, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Wight, Hayling Island, Portsea, and the Isle of Man £83,000 raised for the Masonic Charitable Foundation, including gift aid, by the finale on February 15th 1,935 pints drunk (which works out at almost 27 miles to the gallon…)
Generous local donation brings defibrillator to Fenchurch House Care Home
Fenchurch House Care Home, located in Spalding, Lincolnshire, is renowned for providing exceptional residential and specialist dementia care. The home is dedicated to supporting residents and their families while also extending its care and compassion to the wider local community.
As part of their community outreach, Fenchurch House hosts a monthly Carers Café on the first Tuesday of every month. This initiative offers a welcoming space for individuals caring for loved ones living with dementia, providing support, advice, and an opportunity to form connections with others facing similar challenges.
Over time, the Carers Café has become a source of friendship and mutual support for many of its regular attendees. Inspired by their shared experiences, some of them joined forces to explore ways to give back to the home and the local area. They set themselves a goal to raise funds for a defibrillator, which would not only benefit the residents and staff at Fenchurch House but also serve the wider community in case of an emergency.
During this fundraising effort, Carol McCluskey, whose husband is a resident at Fenchurch House, reached out to local businesses seeking support through prize donations for fundraising events. When Carol visited Churchills Bar in Long Sutton and spoke to its owner, Debbie Rose, she was met with an unexpected and heartwarming response.
Debbie, who had worked in the care sector for many years and understood the critical importance of having life-saving equipment, generously offered to donate a brand-new defibrillator to Fenchurch House. This remarkable gesture exceeded all expectations and left Carol and the group deeply moved.
To mark the donation, Debbie and her friend Kerry were invited to visit Fenchurch House. They enjoyed a tour of the home, met staff and residents, and reunited with Carol and the other members of the Carers Café. It was a chance to celebrate the spirit of community and the positive impact that can be achieved when people come together to support one another.
Carol McCluskey expressed her gratitude, saying: “I am thrilled and deeply touched by Debbie’s incredible generosity. The donation of a defibrillator means so much to all of us.
“I wanted to do something to give back to Fenchurch House because the staff are simply the best. They consistently go above and beyond, and this is my way of showing appreciation for everything they have done for me and my family.”
Ganiyu Lawal, Home Manager at Fenchurch House, also extended his thanks, stating: “On behalf of myself and my team, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Debbie for this amazing donation.
“The defibrillator is more than we could have hoped for, and knowing we can further support both our residents and the local community aligns perfectly with our values and commitment to care.”
For more information about Fenchurch House Care Home, please contact Hannah Mills, Senior Customer Relations Manager, on 01775 711 959 or email careenquiries@countrycourtcare.com.
Energy firm says Gainsborough gas resources could generate GDP contribution of over £100bn
A huge gas field has been discovered under Lincolnshire with the ability to fuel the country for a decade, it has been reported.
Reaching out to Egdon Resources, the energy firm behind the discovery in Gainsborough told Lincolnshire Today that the Telegraph’s description of a “gas field” is premature “as the political and regulatory conditions for its development do not exist in the UK today.”
At present there is a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for shale-gas, a practice with strong opposition, with fracking having been met with protests, critiqued for creating earth tremors, and clashing with the government’s environmental course, plans to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and Net Zero aims.
Commissioning Deloitte to undertake an assessment of the potential economic, social and environmental impact that developing this gas resource could have, Egdon Resources said the gas resource is capable of supplying over 16 trillion cubic feet of gas, amounting to around six to seven years of current gas consumption.
Deloitte’s modelling estimates that the development would generate a GDP contribution of over £100 billion, up to 250,000 direct and indirect jobs, and offset 202 million tons of CO2 equivalent when compared to the emissions associated with imported gas.
Egdon Resources said: “The Telegraph article relates to the potential gas resources in the Gainsborough Trough geological basin which extends across parts of Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire.
“The presence of these gas resources in shales and sandstones at a depth of around 2 kilometres, was proven by the drilling of the Springs Road-1 well back in 2019 and compare favourably with some of the best producing shale basins in the USA.
“At present they cannot be developed due to the moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for shale-gas. It’s description in the article as a “gas field” is premature as the political and regulatory conditions for its development do not exist in the UK today.
“Egdon commissioned Deloitte to undertake an assessment of the potential economic, social and environmental impact that developing this gas resource could have. This has highlighted a gas resource capable of supplying over 16 trillion cubic feet of gas or around 6-7 years of current gas consumption thus offsetting significant amounts of imported gas.
“Deloitte’s modelling estimates that if this was developed it would generate a GDP contribution of £140 billion, £34 billion of direct taxes, up to 250,000 direct and indirect jobs and offset 202 million tons of CO2 equivalent when compared to the emissions associated with imported gas. To put that in context that is equivalent to the annual emissions of over 40 million cars.
“As accepted by the Government and shown by the Climate Change Committee’s figures, whilst its use will reduce, gas will continue to be an important part of the UK energy mix out to 2050 and beyond. The UK will become increasingly reliant on imports as North Sea production declines.
“The UK government is looking for ways to grow GDP and is increasingly reliant on overseas energy imports such as LNG, much sourced from US shale. It would therefore seem sensible for politicians to consider in a pragmatic and fact based way, the potential security of supply, fiscal, environmental and employment benefits of developing the UK’s own resources such as those present in the Gainsborough Trough.
“The proposed development of Carbon Capture and Storage projects at nearby Humberside further enhance the environmental credentials of this opportunity.”
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, is among those opposed to fracking, needed to extract the gas.
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) spokesperson said: “We intend to ban fracking for good and make Britain a clean energy superpower to protect current and future generations.
“The biggest risk to our energy security is staying dependent on fossil fuel markets and only by sprinting to clean power by 2030 can the UK take back control of its energy and protect both family and national finances from price spikes.
“Through our Plan for Change, we will reignite our industrial heartlands as we seize the opportunities of the clean energy transition, and will continue to drive investment for businesses and communities in the UK.”
A moratorium on fracking in England is in place because of an inability to predict the size, timing or location of any seismic events that take place after fracking operations.
The government has also highlighted that there is no guarantee that oil and gas produced in the UK will be used here, with private companies selling to an international market.
The government has a commitment not to issue new oil and gas licences to explore new fields, which it is to consult on in due course.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Igor Link
County Council gives away more free trees
The first to collect free trees and hedging plants in Lincolnshire County Council’s latest tree giveaway was Charlie Brunton of Long Bennington near Grantham who intends to use them to form a spinney.
He said: “I’ve got a lot of wildlife all around where I live, and doing this is such a positive way to encourage what’s there and hopefully attract even more.
“I saw the offer and thought it was a very good idea. It’s great to see something positive like this about planting trees and hedgerows. This pack will go into a field where I have stables, the hedging there is established but there are some gaps, so I plan to use these plants to fill in where needed and extend the planting a bit further along.”
The tree giveaway is intended to boost the county’s tree cover, which at 4% lags behind the national average of 13%. Following the free tree team-up between Lincolnshire County Council and the Woodland Trust as part of National Tree Week last November, the latest giveaway of greenery saw 6,000 trees given away to be planted in the county. Each pack contains 50 trees and 250 hedging plants.
Lincolnshire County Cllr Tom Ashton was on hand to help with handing out tree care information, kits and the plants themselves. He said: “Trees and hedgerows are such a vitally important part of our natural landscape. The multifunctional benefits of planting trees and hedges are obvious, improving the wellbeing of wildlife, overall health of the countryside and positively impacting people who live in it and enjoy it.
“In working with our partners, I am thrilled that LCC can be such a positive force to help promote tree and hedgerow planting in Lincolnshire. This will have a lasting legacy for years to come.”
Harriet Winspear, Natural Environment Project officer at Lincolnshire County Council said: “Our previous tree and hedgerow giveaways were a real success with high demand, and this is a continuation of those efforts. It’s great to see more planting packs going to residents who want to do some real environmental good in the county.”
New accommodation to be built in £65m contract at RAF Digby
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has awarded a £65 million contract for new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) at RAF Digby in Lincolnshire.
RAF Digby is the RAF’s oldest station, established in 1918, but is now operated by Strategic Command. The contract was awarded to Galliford Try with Arcadis as a Technical Support Provider and will see four new blocks of bedrooms created for junior ranks.
Each block contains a kitchenette, drying rooms, laundry rooms and social spaces, as well as 69 single ensuite rooms.
The buildings have been designed to be as carbon efficient as possible as part of MOD and wider government push towards net zero. They will benefit from solar panels and be heated using air source heat pumps.
Other energy efficiency measures include provision for a system to recover heat from the waste water in the showers, temperature-controlled heating zones, energy efficient LED lighting, and electric car charging points.
The contract value also includes provision of car parking, street lighting and landscaped outdoor communal areas. The contractors will be using local suppliers and labour as much as possible to benefit the local economy.
John Weatherby, DIO’s Principal Project Manager, said: “It’s fantastic to have reached this important milestone in our goal to transform the accommodation provision at RAF Digby with some high-quality new rooms for junior ranks serving at the station. We look forward to working with Galliford Try on the designs as we prepare for the start of construction in the coming months.”
Wing Commander Neil Hallett, Station Commander RAF Digby, said: “This is an eagerly anticipated announcement welcomed by the service men and women stationed here. Having modern Single Living Accommodation will significantly improve the lived experience and there is buzz of excitement across the station following this contract award.
“This investment into Royal Air Force Digby is a clear demonstration by the MOD of its intent to enhance the accommodation offer to our personnel while making buildings more sustainable.”
Bill Hocking, Chief Executive of Galliford Try, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with the DIO to deliver this much-needed facility for those serving at RAF Digby. We have a strong track record in providing this kind of facility to the armed forces and look forward to ensuring the personnel receive the high-quality living spaces they deserve.” Construction is expected to start in March. Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/shintartanyaLIVES’ ‘No Night Is Silent’ reaches finals of Smiley Charity Film Awards
LIVES is celebrating an incredible achievement as its powerful advert, No Night Is Silent, has been named a finalist in the prestigious Smiley Charity Film Awards.
The emotionally compelling film, which highlights the life-saving work of LIVES volunteers across Lincolnshire, captured hearts during the public vote. Thanks to overwhelming community support, the advert has now progressed to the final stage, where a panel of judges will decide whether it wins at the awards ceremony in March.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be finalists,” said Harry, a LIVES medic first responder who acted in the advert. “No Night Is Silent shines a light on the incredible dedication of our volunteers who respond to emergencies day and night. We can’t thank everyone enough for voting and helping us get this far.”
The Smiley Charity Film Awards celebrate the best in charitable storytelling, recognising films that inspire, engage, and make a difference. For LIVES, reaching the finals provides a fantastic platform to showcase the work of their highly skilled volunteers who make a life-saving impact across the county.
The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in March, and LIVES will be eagerly awaiting the results alongside fellow finalists from across the UK charity sector.
Krazy Races returns to Lincoln for a second year
The soapbox derby Krazy Races returns to Lincoln on June 22nd, when 40 teams will be invited to take part in an event that’ll be watched by an estimated 20,000 spectators.
Entries open on Monday, when a maximum of 40 local teams to design, build, and race their own handcrafted soapboxes in front of a roaring crowd.
The 2025 edition of Krazy Races promises to be bigger and better , with the entire city buzzing with excitement. Local businesses, entertainers, and food vendors will join the fun, creating an unforgettable day for families, friends, and race enthusiasts alike.
Danny Scoffin, Head of Brand & Strategic Development at Krazy Races, said: “We are absolutely buzzing to be returning to Lincoln after last year’s success. The enthusiasm and energy we felt from the community were electric, and we can’t wait to see what new and exciting soapboxes the people of Lincoln have in store for us this year. Thank you to Lincoln BIG for their continued support – we’re looking forward to making June 22nd a date to remember!”
Lee Roberts, Head of Operations at Lincoln BIG, added: “After the fantastic response last year, we’re thrilled to welcome Krazy Races back to Lincoln. It’s going to be an amazing day filled with excitement, and we encourage local businesses to get involved and enter teams. Let’s make this year’s event even bigger than before!”
Applications for local teams open 8am on Monday 17th February. Organisers are looking for a diverse range of competitors – from charities and local businesses to individual racers ready to take on the challenge.
