Paddling pool reopens in Cleethorpes with upgraded facilities

April Lara
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Paddling pool reopens in Cleethorpes with upgraded facilities

A free paddling pool in Cleethorpes has reopened for its sixth consecutive summer season, now featuring an upgraded central fountain. Operated by Your Community Hub, a community interest company managed by the team behind Cleethorpes Taphouse and Kitchen, the pool is open daily from 10am to 4pm.

The enhancements to the pool’s fountain, now higher and more prominent, are part of ongoing efforts to boost local footfall and offer accessible family attractions. The facility, previously run by the local council, has been operated by Your Community Hub since 2019 at no cost to taxpayers. The adjacent sandpit, also under their management, reopened in May 2023.

The site’s continued operation reflects sustained public engagement with free, locally run leisure assets. Businesses operating in tourism, leisure, and hospitality sectors may see opportunities tied to the increased foot traffic in the area during the summer months.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/simon

D-Day commemoration walks offer historical insight at former US airbase

April Lara
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D-Day commemoration walks offer historical insight at former US airbase

Twyford Wood in Lincolnshire, formerly RAF North Witham, will host a series of guided walks in June to mark the anniversary of the D-Day landings. On the night of 5 June 1944, the site served as a launch point for US Army paratroopers of the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions.

Participants will tour the preserved runways and learn about the covert operations that preceded the Normandy invasion. These included low-altitude flights across the English Channel to establish radio beacons and visual signals for the main Allied forces.

The initiative is part of South Kesteven District Council’s Soldiers from the Sky project, focused on preserving and presenting the region’s wartime legacy. The location, now managed by Forestry England, provides a rare opportunity to engage with WWII military logistics on site.

The free, pre-booked walks take place on 5, 12, and 19 June, starting at 17:30 BST and lasting approximately two and a half hours.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Gajus

A new look and feel for The Old Bakery

Tess Egginton
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A new look and feel for The Old Bakery
There’s change afoot at one of Lincoln’s dining gems as The Old Bakery undergoes a complete refurbishment. Director of business development & partnerships at Lincoln College, Mark Taylor, says: “We are really excited to be unveiling a new look for The Old Bakery following this refurbishment. The restaurant is a cornerstone of our employer-led operations here at Lincoln College.” The transformation will see the currently unused entrance space turned into a bar and lounge area, serving up bar snacks, small plates, craft beers and cocktails for more casual dining. The remodeling will also open up the chef’s room, creating an atmospheric, intimate space. Mark continues: “A finishing school for our advanced catering and front-of-house students, the restaurant gives them the industry experience they need to launch their careers. We are also proud that it remains the only not-for-profit venue of its kind in the region. “We hope that our refreshed look and much-needed restoration gives both our loyal customers and new visitors a compelling reason to come along and enjoy our warm surroundings and delicious Lincolnshire-inspired seasonal menu.” The improvements are funded by a £100,000 portion of the Towns Fund, a government scheme that aims to regenerate towns and deliver long-term economic and productivity growth. In the meantime, diners wanting to try The Old Bakery’s menu can enjoy a pop-up experience at the Lincoln College campus’ own Sessions Restaurant, with service running from Friday 16th May to Tuesday 10th June. Mark adds: “We’re so pleased to be able to continue serving our customers down at Sessions. It gives diners the chance not only to continue sampling our bespoke menu, but also a chance to visit our sister restaurant, which is also student-led and is housed in the historic Sessions House, a former city gaol and police station which has bags of character and will be a fitting home for The Old Bakery until we reopen on 21st June.” Diners who eat at the weekend can currently enjoy 15% off with 25% off for members.

Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival drives tourism and local engagement

April Lara
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Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival drives tourism and local engagement

The Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival returns on Saturday, 17 May, and will run through Sunday, 1 June 2025, offering more than 100 events across the region. While aimed at leisure and tourism, the festival’s scale presents valuable commercial opportunities for businesses in hospitality, retail, tourism services, and rural enterprises.

The launch event takes place at the National Trust’s Gunby Hall, drawing in families with free activities, animal encounters, and local exhibitors, creating direct footfall for vendors and suppliers. The programme includes horse riding lessons, glider experiences, countryside walks, wellness events, and interactive outdoor activities.

The festival culminates at Stourton Woods with an open day featuring a mini farmers market, trail run, bushcraft activities, and a local wedding fair, designed to showcase regional producers, experience providers, and wedding industry suppliers.

Organised by Love Lincolnshire Wolds in partnership with several councils and rural networks, the event is strategically positioned to boost the visibility of rural businesses and increase visitor spend across the Wolds region. Local stakeholders include East Lindsey and West Lindsey district councils, Lincolnshire County Council, and other countryside and tourism development organisations.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Gill

Stamford appoints new Poet Laureate to support local arts programming

April Lara
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Stamford appoints new Poet Laureate to support local arts programming

Ross Ayres, a therapist and spoken word artist based near Peterborough, has been named Poet Laureate for Stamford following a competitive selection process. South Kesteven District Council awards the honorary title annually as part of its efforts to engage the local creative sector.

Ayres has consistently contributed to the council’s Pint of Poetry events at Stamford Arts Centre. His new role will see him commissioned to write and perform poetry at civic events and other cultural programming across the town for the next year.

The appointment reflects a broader trend of integrating the arts into community engagement and public programming, providing opportunities for creative practitioners to partner with councils and local businesses.

Stamford’s next public poetry event is scheduled for 28 May at the Arts Centre, featuring a guest performance by playwright and lecturer James McDermott.

  Image credit: South Kesteven District Council

The Royal British Legion gets ready to celebrate Armed Forces Day in Lincoln

Tess Egginton
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The Royal British Legion gets ready to celebrate Armed Forces Day in Lincoln
The Royal British Legion (RBL) Lincoln, supported by Lincoln College and a host of other sponsors, is to celebrate Armed Forces Day in Lincoln on Saturday 28th June. Armed Forces Day is a national event held on the last Saturday of June to recognise and thank the men and women of the British Armed Forces, including current and past service members, reservists, veterans, and cadets. Chair of the City of Lincoln Branch Royal British Legion and Director of Estates at Lincoln College, Nick Pettit GM QGM, says: “This is going to be a really great day for the city. As well as a parade and band event in Lincoln Market Square, just off the Cornhill, we’ll also be running a day of fun over at The Drill, where there will be live music and food available for all. “We wanted to ensure the future of the celebrations for Armed Forces Day and we’re really excited to be working with a range of very generous sponsors in order to make it happen. Armed Forces Day is really important to the people of Lincolnshire and so to be able to use The Drill and to make a day of it is really special and we can’t wait to welcome everyone.”

WWII veterans remember fallen Commonwealth comrades at International Bomber Command Centre

Tess Egginton
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WWII veterans remember fallen Commonwealth comrades at International Bomber Command Centre
Commonwealth veterans from World War Two and Windrush laid a wreath and visited the spectacular Lancaster Bomber poppy display at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) to remember their colleagues who perished during the conflict. The visit by Jamaican veterans Ralph Ottey (101), Gilbert Clarke (98) and Sidney McFarlane (90) on Saturday (10th May) was one of a series of events organised as part of the VE80 Lincoln project to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Ralph, an RAF volunteer, served as a driver with 617 Squadron at RAF Coningsby and RAF Woodhall Spa while Gilbert, also an RAF volunteer, serviced the radio and radar systems of British and American aircraft. Both have featured prominently in national VE Day commemorations, and Gilbert was seated next to Anne, Princess Royal during the celebrations in London on Saturday 3rd May. Sidney was part of the Windrush generation who were invited to the UK to help rebuild post-war Britain. He joined the Royal Air Force in 1958, progressing from aircraftman to squadron leader. During his distinguished career, he was awarded three Commanders-in-Chief commendations for outstanding service. VE80 Lincoln, which was a collaboration between Francourt Events, the IBCC, Lincoln Rugby FC and Sage Blue, honours the rugby players from the UK and Commonwealth, including many national and international players, who lost their lives in the conflict. Sports, especially rugby, played a pivotal role in maintaining morale and fostering resilience among prisoners of war during the Second World War. Director of Sage Blue and co-chair of VE80 Lincoln Sue Liburd MBE DL explained: “The VE80 Lincoln commemorations are more than just a reflection on history, they are an investment in future generations. “The project is dedicated to ensuring that the legacy of World War II is never forgotten, using sporting activities as an innovative and engaging learning tool. “By combining education, history, and sport, this initiative ensures that the stories of resilience, courage, and unity remain relevant and inspiring for years to come.” As well as visiting the IBCC the veterans attended a Ceramic Poppy-Bluet Ceremony on 9th May at Lincoln Cathedral and a VE80 Rugby Festival at Lincoln Rugby Club involving over 150 young people from school rugby teams across the UK and France. Other events held across Lincolnshire between 8th and 11th May as part of the VE80 Lincoln commemorations included:
  • VE Day 80 Beacon Lighting and Dinner– A poignant ceremony on 8th May at the IBCC to mark this significant moment in history. There was also a free, open-air VE Day 80 Concert featuring the Blighty Belles.
  • Heritage site visits– The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre and IBCC hosted visiting touring U18 rugby teams and VIP guests for immersive experiences.
  • Rugby & WWII Exhibition– Until the end of August the IBCC is showcasing a unique exhibition highlighting the connections between rugby and the Second World War featuring untold stories of service, camaraderie and sacrifice.
  • Remembrance Thanksgiving Service– On 11th May the IBCC hosted a special service to conclude the commemorations with a message of gratitude and reflection.
CEO of the IBCC Nicky van der Drift OBE said it was an honour to be involved in the project and welcome the veterans to the Bomber Command memorial. “The VE80 Lincoln project has been a great success and provided a unique opportunity to honour the sacrifices made by millions while educating future generations about the enduring importance of peace and freedom,” explained Nicky. “The support and involvement of the World War Two and Windrush veterans has been pivotal to the project’s impact. “Armed forces personnel from the Commonwealth played an important role in Britain’s war effort and in particular Bomber Command which is why I was so pleased to welcome them to the IBCC to visit our beautiful poppy display and lay a wreath in memory of their fallen comrades.”   Image: Veterans (from left to right) Sidney McFarlane, Gilbert Clarke and Ralph Ottey from British West India Regiments visited International Bomber Command Centre, Canwick, Lincolnshire, to lay a wreath as part of the VE80 Lincoln commemorations.

Retailers recommit to Lincoln’s Waterside centre as £3m invested in rejuvenation

Tess Egginton
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Retailers recommit to Lincoln’s Waterside centre as £3m invested in rejuvenation
Joint venture owners Wykeland Group and Lincolnshire Co-op have rejuvenated Lincoln’s Waterside centre, delivering a £3m programme of investment and securing the long-term commitment of three major retail brands. The investments by Yorkshire-based property development business Wykeland and Lincolnshire Co-op have been delivered in under two years since they acquired Waterside and have now resulted in a trio of high street stores renewing their leases. Fashion and homeware retailer H&M has extended its lease at Waterside and committed to a major £2m revamp of the centre’s anchor store. Next and The Body Shop have also each signed new leases, giving a major vote of confidence to Waterside and ensuring the three popular stores remain in Lincoln city centre for years to come. New operators have also come on board, including luxury lifestyle brand Rituals, which is opening a new store at Waterside next month. Hull-based Wykeland and member-owned Lincolnshire Co-op acquired Waterside in June 2023. Since then the owners have committed to a significant and ongoing programme of investment that has given Waterside a new lease of life. This has included the creation of a new coffee shop at the heart of Waterside, operated by local independent operator Seven Districts Coffee. Waterside’s joint owners are also investing to create a more attractive and welcoming frontage to the centre from Lincoln’s High Street, along the River Witham. This will enable an improved pedestrian flow by the riverside, into the centre and across the river into The Cornhill Quarter. Two units on High Street have been acquired to form part of the centre and enable the reshaping of the entrance to take place, while Waterside has also undergone a rebrand. These changes have also attracted more visitors into the centre, with footfall in 2024 up by three per cent compared to 2022, before Wykeland and Lincolnshire Co-op acquired Waterside, bucking the national trend. Wykeland managing director Dominic Gibbons said: “Since acquiring the Waterside centre in a joint venture with Lincolnshire Co-op, we’ve invested significantly to ensure it remains a key destination for both local people and visitors to Lincoln. “The new, long-term commitments by H&M, Next and The Body Shop reflect the strength of Waterside and the very positive reaction from tenants to the rejuvenation of the centre. “Waterside’s footfall is buoyant, trading is strong and there’s a great deal of confidence in the centre’s future. “The investments we’re continuing to make, with our partners at Lincolnshire Co-op, are enabling Waterside to buck the retail trend and play a key role in Lincoln remaining a highly attractive location.” Kevin Kendall, head of property at Lincolnshire Co-op, said: “It’s been fantastic to work alongside Wykeland to bring new services into the area, as well as updating pre-existing ones. “Our joint investment is reflected in the shopping centre’s success – long-term commitments from tenants and increased footfall are both great indicators of this.” Waterside’s owners and H&M are now jointly investing in a £2m refit of the centre’s anchor unit. Among other investments, frontages on a number of smaller units at the centre are being revamped and £60,000 has been invested to refurbish the customer toilets.   Image credit: John Aron Photography

Book club provides a lifeline for cancer patients thanks to hospital charity

Tess Egginton
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Book club provides a lifeline for cancer patients thanks to hospital charity
A book club is providing vital support to cancer patients thanks to charitable funding. When Flo, from Boston, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, little did she know that a book club would provide her with a lifeline to help her cope with living with the disease. Flo had undergone years of treatment for breast cancer including lumpectomies and a mastectomy. This is when she met Annie Theed, MacMillan Breast Cancer Care Co-Ordinator, at the Breast Cancer Clinic at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston, who invited her to join her book club. Flo, an Activities Co-ordinator at The Haven Residential Home, Boston, said: “Back then, my mind was all over the place and I couldn’t concentrate, I kept thinking about cancer all the time. But I thought ok, I will give it a go. “I was sent my first book, which was set in the 1800s. It was brilliant reading it – it took me away from my situation. As I turned the pages I drifted away into this other world, which stopped my brain from overthinking things. “I’d forgotten how much I liked reading. I was being sent books that I wouldn’t normally buy, yet I read every one and always got something from it.” The book club was started in 2020 by Annie to keep in touch with patients diagnosed with cancer during the COVID pandemic. Annie said: “We quickly realised that many of our patients were isolated, with no contact from anyone. So, with the help of funding from United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity, we started the book club.” Five years later and the club has grown to become a vital online meeting place for cancer patients providing up-to-date information and support for its members. Annie said: “We have created an atmosphere where people feel relaxed and can talk openly. We are one big supportive family all able to signpost each other to services that members have used.” Charity Manager, Ben Petts is delighted that the Book Club has been so successful. He said: “This a wonderful project and as the club meets online, it means anyone in Lincolnshire with a cancer diagnosis can join. The cost of a book could be a lot for some families to find each month; yet by providing this funding, we have ensured the book club is inclusive to everyone.” The book club is just one project supported by United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity. Thanks to the generosity of people living and working in Lincolnshire, the charity can support the county’s hospitals to deliver outstanding care to patients and their families by funding those extras that cannot be provided by the NHS alone.   Image shows Florence Moore reading one of the books

Grimsby’s Top Town Market to reopen in new temporary Freshney Place location

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Grimsby’s Top Town Market to reopen in new temporary Freshney Place location
Grimsby’s Top Town Market is to reopen this Friday (16 May) in a new temporary location within Freshney Place, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of the town centre. The unit, next to Riverhead, will accommodate traders previously based at the old market hall which is currently being demolished to make way for the new leisure scheme. The temporary market is a space for traders to continue operating throughout the redevelopment process, while supporting footfall at Freshney Place. The traders who have moved across to the temporary space are:
  • Birketts Butchers
  • Black Cat Books
  • Carl’s Meats
  • Cobblers & Keys
  • Girlie Gear
  • Graham Thompson Jewellers
  • K&P Collectables
  • Temple Ranch Clothing
  • The Card and Party Box
  • The Veg Stall (incorporating New Haven eggs)
  • Upsa Daisy florists (Friday and Saturday only)
Opening hours for Top Town Market are the same as they were in the previous location, 9am to 4pm, four days a week: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “It’s been a quick turnaround in the unit, and it looks fantastic! Friday is likely to be a really busy day for everyone – alongside this, there’s the Farmers’ Market in Riverhead Square too. “Along with the other developments in the town centre, the redevelopment of Freshney Place is one of the largest single investments in the town’s history and underlines our long-term commitment to revitalising Grimsby for the benefit of the entire community.” Amanda Austin, centre director at Freshney Place said: “We’re delighted to host the market during this transitional period and are looking forward to welcoming their customers. This move highlights Freshney Place’s role as a cornerstone of the town’s regeneration – not only a place to shop and meet friends, but a hub of community life.” The transformation of Freshney Place is one of the key projects in Grimsby’s regeneration strategy. Once complete, the new space at the western end of Freshney Place will offer a contemporary, welcoming environment with upgraded facilities for businesses and shoppers and will be complemented by a new cinema and leisure spaces.   Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council
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