New extension to special school brings additional places for Lincoln pupils

Tess Egginton
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New extension to special school brings additional places for Lincoln pupils

Pupils, staff and partners are celebrating the official opening of a new extension to St Christopher’s Special School in Lincoln.

The new block provides additional teaching spaces including eight classrooms, a food technology and social skills room, a hall and kitchen, small group rooms and calming spaces. There’s also a medical inspection room, hygiene facilities, and staff and meeting rooms. In addition, the existing school has undergone remodelling work to provide two further classrooms and therapy spaces, such as sensory and physiotherapy. Outside, the school now has improved playing areas, a horticulture area and sensory garden. Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for children’s services, said: “Combined with the new site for St Christopher’s primary-aged pupils, which opened last year, this project has created over 100 extra special school places for the city and surrounding area. “Moving forward, the Hykeham Road site will now cater to St Christopher’s secondary-aged pupils. Staff and pupils have been in the new-and-improved school since the start of term, and the feedback has been very positive so far. “This is the latest success resulting from our special school improvement project, which has seen over £100m invested to improve facilities and create over 500 additional places across the county. We’re now planning a second phase of improvements to build on that good work.” Niall McCordick, head of school, added: “With an ever-growing demand for special need places, St Christopher’s are very excited about the opportunities the new build offers our students and the wider community. “It is essential for both our families and young people to create opportunities which enable them to access high-quality, special education close to home. “The excellent work being carried out across Lincolnshire special schools will enhance the future prospects of our children and young people, and we are very proud to be a part of this journey. “LCC have been so supportive, and we have worked collaboratively with outside contractors to develop this very special resource which will serve the local community for years to come. We look forward to a brighter future!” The new extension was a design and build contract carried out by Wates, using architecture services from Kier Design.
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Rawpixel.com

Scout Group awarded £30,000 to renovate outdoor activity area

Tess Egginton
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Scout Group awarded £30,000 to renovate outdoor activity area
Goxhill and Barrow Scout Group have been awarded £30,000 Community Grant Funding to go towards the renovation and development of their outdoor activity area.   Work includes renovating the existing shelter and renewing the paved area to include lighting and refurbishing the rifle shooting area.   A tubular underground experience will be created, and a new wood adventure obstacle course installed.  The renovation will also see the installation of hardstanding and storage containers. New garden maintenance equipment will also be purchased.   Cllr Richard Hannigan, cabinet member for independent families: adults and health, said: “It is always great to see community groups benefiting from the Community Grant Fund and making a real difference. “The plans for Goxhill and Barrow Scout Groups’ outdoor activity area sound brilliant, and I’m sure the group will have lots of fun and develop new skills. Groups like these are at the heart of many communities, therefore it is important they are supported.   “The funding has been used for many different reasons and helped many different community groups and individuals. If you think you or your group could benefit, please visit the council’s website for more details.”  Andy Oliver from Goxhill and Barrow Scout Group, said: “Here at 1st Goxhill and Barrow Scout Group we give young people aged between 6 and 18 years, from all over the Ferry Ward of North Lincolnshire, the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities that engages and supports young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to their communities and society. “The funding grant from North Lincolnshire Council will allow us to improve our outdoor activity area, which is an important building block in the redevelopment of our HQ facilities, helping to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all to enjoy.”   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG

The BIG Lincolnshire County Wedding Show returns to the Lincolnshire Showground this Sunday

Tess Egginton
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The BIG Lincolnshire County Wedding Show returns to the Lincolnshire Showground this Sunday
The BIG Lincolnshire County Wedding Show is back at the Lincolnshire Showground THIS SUNDAY 24th November 11.00am-3.00pm with all the wedding inspiration you have ever dreamed of! Bring your bride squad for the ultimate day of wedding planning; see premier wedding gown boutiques, award winning photographers, luxury wedding venues, formal wear to wow, mother of the bride and guest attire, wedding cakes that are works of art, and much much more! Meet over 65 of the region’s greatest wedding suppliers and enjoy Fashion Shows at 12.00pm & 1.45pm, lots of goodies for couples, and free parking. And don’t forget to pick up a copy of Lincolnshire Today’s Wedding Guide! The event is the perfect day out for anyone in the midst of wedding planning. Whether you have just started your wedding planning or only have a few things left to organise you can rest assured you are in the hands of experts as you will only see trusted wedding suppliers dedicated to doing what they do best. Your dream wedding can become reality! Limited FREE tickets are available online at www.cupidsweddingshows.com – or £4 on the day with no pre booked ticket.

Wrestling raises over £2,000 for Lincolnshire hospitals charity

Tess Egginton
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Wrestling raises over £2,000 for Lincolnshire hospitals charity
The Fight Factory Wrestling UK visited the Oncology Department at Lincoln County Hospital to present a cheque for £2,185, raised through their Bodyslams to Cancer event. The live professional wrestling event took place in October in North Hykeham and marked the 11th consecutive year that the Fight Factory UK team has fundraised for Lincolnshire causes. This year, they raised over £4,000, which was split between Sophie’s Journey and United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity. Bodyslams to Cancer has a long-standing tradition of supporting cancer charities that aid the people of Lincolnshire. The event is always held in October to align with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year’s show featured several title bouts and a 30-person rumble at the end of the show. The annual charity show began as a heartfelt memorial to Dee Mansell, who sadly passed away after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Dee was the mother of Hayden Loeve, one of the dedicated wrestlers involved in Bodyslams. Unfortunately, she never got to see her son wrestle. Dee was due to attend an event while undergoing chemotherapy, but the disease took her away before the wrestling event took place. Over the years, Bodyslams to Cancer has grown in both size and impact, consistently raising funds and awareness for cancer-related causes. Hayden and his wife Rebecca, owners of The Fight Factory Wrestling UK, met the oncology team and United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity team at Lincoln County Hospital to present the cheque. Rebecca said: “It really means a lot to us that the memory of Hayden’s mum continues and every year it helps us to raise vital funding for Lincolnshire charities supporting people living with cancer and their families. “Many of the wrestlers taking part in Bodyslams have their own personal reasons for competing, honouring their loved ones who are affected by cancer or who sadly passed away. Because all wrestlers and crew kindly donate their wages to the cause, it helps us to raise as much money as possible for our chosen charities each year.” Gary Burr, Charity Fundraiser, United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity, said: “We are immensely grateful to Rebecca and Hayden for choosing to donate half of the proceeds from this year’s event to the Lincoln Oncology Department. It’s thanks to their dedication that Bodyslams to Cancer has been such a success, and the money our charity receives will make a real difference to patients undergoing treatment for cancer and their carers.”   Image credit: United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust

West Lindsey firms encouraged to apply for training grants

Tess Egginton
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West Lindsey firms encouraged to apply for training grants
Businesses throughout the West Lindsey area of Lincolnshire are being encouraged to apply for Workforce Development Grants to help upskill employees. In a scheme due to end on 31st December, eligible organisations can apply for up to 100% towards full cost technical and vocational training courses which improve skills and help boost productivity. Cllr Trevor Young, Leader of West Lindsey District Council, has urged employers not to miss out on the funding. He said: “Small and medium sized businesses are the life blood of the district and provide a lot of local employment. Upskilling will help organisations strengthen their existing workforce, fill new positions, and enable them to remain competitive.” Plum Products Ltd, a family-owned, Queen’s Award-winning business, are among those to have benefitted from the Workforce Development Grant. Based at Ingham near Lincoln, they are a supplier of quality active play equipment that is sold in 60 different countries. MD Paul Schaffer said: “Our success is a combination of building a strong product brand and investing in the skills of our workforce. The grant has helped us develop staff that are critical to the growth plans for our business.” Amanda Bouttell, who administers the scheme for the Council, said help and support is available for organisations that wish to apply. “In the first instance, organisations need to check if they’re eligible. There is then a simple application process and the team are on hand, ready to help with advice and guidance on how to complete this. We have several organisations that have successfully received this funding.”   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG

Fire crews to hold festive fundraising events

Tess Egginton
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Fire crews to hold festive fundraising events

Fire crews across Lincolnshire will be holding a whole host of Christmas events in their communities.

Raising money for the Fire Fighters Charity and other good causes, the events are often a highlight of the festive season for many towns and villages. Many crews will be taking Santa on the road with a sleigh tour around the local area, while other fire stations will be opening the doors to locals with a warm festive welcome. Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, executive councillor for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “Our fire crews are an important part of their local community and Christmas events offer a great way to engage with people and spread the Christmas cheer. “Last year was a record-breaking fundraising year for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue with more than £88,000 raised for the Fire Fighters Charity- smashing the £80,000 target. This wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing generosity of Lincolnshire residents and our crews going over and above their day jobs.” Some of the events being held in Lincolnshire are:
  • 3, 10 and 17 December – Skegness fire station sleigh parade from 4pm
  • 5 December – Christmas carol service at Waddington fire station with the LFR Band from 7.30pm
  • 7 December – Brew with the Crew at Bourne fire station from 11am until 4pm
  • 7 and 14 December – Christmas Grotto at Skegness fire station 4pm until 8pm
  • 14 and 15 December – Saxilby Christmas street collection from 4.30pm
  • 14 December – Billinghay Santa Sleigh visits Martin, Timberland and Walcott from 4.30pm
  • 15 December – Billinghay Santa Sleigh visits Billinghay Co-Op at 5pm
  • 16 December – Billinghay Santa Sleigh visits Tattershall Bridge, South Kyme and North Kyme from 5pm
  • 18 December – Santa’s Grotto at Market Deeping fire station
Details of more events will be announced throughout November.
  Image credit: Lincolnshire County Council

New farming forum elects chair

Tess Egginton
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New farming forum elects chair
The county’s new agriculture and horticulture forum has now elected a chair – Crowland-based farmer and farm consultant, Matt Riddington. The group’s first meeting since its formation decided on the group’s priorities for the first year, and discussed national and local emerging issues in the sector. Matt Riddington, said: “The forum will be crucial in providing a collective regional voice from local farming and rural stakeholders, feeding into the national Rural and Farming Network. We will be identifying issues, concerns, and good practice we want to promote to government. “Farming is facing multiple challenges but is also adapting and innovating to address these. The forum is a place to look at what is being done, and what needs to be done, in Greater Lincolnshire. We need to have a sustainable and profitable industry that inspires young people to want to be part of, into the future.” The Greater Lincolnshire Forum For Agriculture and Horticulture (GLFFAH) is comprised of a diverse range of members with representatives from farms of all sizes, sector bodies, training organisations and support services. Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy, environment and planning at the county council, said: “This forum provides a vital mouthpiece for our agriculture and horticulture industries in raising county issues at a national level and in supporting the sector with recommendations and action. “The county council is committed to supporting those in the farming sector, who are facing ongoing battles as well as new pressures.” The priorities for the forum in the short term are to look at issues around:
  • skills, workforce and training
  • planning and land use – conflicts and demands
  • succession in farming businesses
  • soils and water management
  • environment and carbon credits uncertainty
  • regulations and tax
The GLFFAH meets three times per year, supported by officers from Lincolnshire County Council.
  Image: Stock.adobe.com/Springfield Gallery

What has the National Lottery ever done for us…?

Stuart Pearcey
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What has the National Lottery ever done for us…?
In the 30 years since the launch of the National Lottery more than 100 creative projects have been funded across North East Lincolnshire because of funding from Arts Council England, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Since the middle of last year, when Create North East Lincolnshire picked up the reins from the original Grimsby Creates project, more than half a million pounds, funded partly through National Lottery players, has been spent on creative projects in the area. Projects funded through the National Lottery include:
  • Edible Grimsby
  • Festival of the Sea
  • Our Future Starts Here
  • Our Big Picture
  • the Seagull trail in Cleethorpes
  • poetry nights,
  • live music, artistic classes and workshops
  • More than 90 other exhibitions, craft days, short films
One of the latest works is a mural of a dad and daughter in a poppy field by artist Nikita Spires, which has recently been completed at the Willows in Grimsby, the 100th project to be funded partly by Create North East Lincolnshire. The mural is just one of a diverse range of projects, ranging from children’s podcasts, to creative conferences, one-day festivals, inspirational crafts courses, writing workshops, immersive plays, gallery shows and exhibitions, which have been funded through Create NEL grants since last year. Meanwhile, the National Lottery Heritage Fund has been the backbone of the heritage restoration work to the balconies and shop fronts in Cleethorpes, bringing them back to their former Victorian splendour. The latest project to be completed is the dual shop front project on Sea View Street – with work all but completed this month.

The Grove Care Home hosts Oktoberfest celebration in Waltham for residents and local community

Tess Egginton
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The Grove Care Home hosts Oktoberfest celebration in Waltham for residents and local community
The Grove Care Home in Waltham recently welcomed residents, families, and the local community to enjoy an autumn-inspired Oktoberfest celebration. Inspired by the care home’s picturesque surroundings of trees and greenery, the event celebrated all things autumn, bringing a festive atmosphere to The Grove Care Home. “Our Oktoberfest featured local stalls, a fun raffle and tombola, beer tasting, a pumpkin carving station, live entertainment, and so much more for everyone to enjoy,” said Customer Relations Manager Ros Wells. “The local community’s generous support helped us raise £359, which will go towards extra special activities, entertainment, and future events for our residents,” shared Wellbeing Coordinator Michelle Bloy. “The turnout and enthusiasm from everyone involved made the day extra special.” One guest commended Oktoberfest, saying: “Well done to everyone involved” and “I’ve enjoyed getting out and seeing you all and browsing the stalls.” Customer Relations Manager Ros Wells shared: “Hosting such a large community event at The Grove Care Home was truly meaningful, as it has allowed us to showcase our newly extended and refurbished spaces. This extension unlocks exciting possibilities for future events and helps us warmly connect the local community with our residents.” Home Manager Cheryl Shorter commented: “Thank you to everyone who supported us. We look forward to making Oktoberfest an annual event for residents, families, and the Community in Waltham, offering a taste of autumn and to showcase our wonderful facilities and dedicated staff team here at The Grove Care Home.” To arrange a tour of The Grove Care Home or for more information, please contact Ros Wells, Customer Relations Manager, at 01472 821127 or via email at ros.wells@countrycourtcare.com.

Classic Ibiza to bring birthday celebrations to Burghley House next summer

Tess Egginton
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Classic Ibiza to bring birthday celebrations to Burghley House next summer
Classic Ibiza returns to Burghley House on Saturday 26 July 2025, promising an extra-special concert to mark the show’s 10th year. To celebrate, Stephen Hussey’s 32-piece Urban Soul Orchestra will be performing more tracks than ever before, in a “best-of” set crammed full of firm Classic Ibiza favourites. Known for collaborating with the likes of Groove Armada and Robert Miles, they’ll be joined by DJ Goldierocks and some very special guests, reimagining house music’s most legendary anthems. Former Pacha Ibiza resident, DJ Jose Luis, will also be there, with the second half of the show once again being accompanied by a spectacular laser and light show. Classic Ibiza’s Lisa Ward says: “I genuinely can’t wait for next summer’s show at Burghley House. We’ll be majoring on those ‘hands in the air’ moments from our 10 year history, with USO’s performance being more like a DJ set, packing in even more anthemic tracks than ever before. “They’ll also be joined on stage by some very special guests, bringing a whole new dynamic to what will be a night to remember. Watch this space for details!” As part of the show’s 10th year celebrations, Classic Ibiza has also confirmed Adnams Ghost Ship as its new headline sponsor. Jenny Hanlon, CEO of Adnams, says: “We’re excited to bring something new to Classic Ibiza, and simply can’t wait for the summer and the opportunity to add our own unique touch to these well-loved events. “At Adnams, we’re all about making great memories and Classic Ibiza does that so well, mixing nostalgic, soul-stirring anthems with spirit-raising experiences. When combined with our best-selling beers, Ghost Ship 4.5% and Ghost Ship 0.5% Pale Ale at some of the country’s most inspiring locations, we’re all set to give music fans goosebumps.” To help concertgoers budget more effectively, the show’s organisers have also introduced a new staggered payment system, providing the option to pay for tickets in three separate instalments. Classic Ibiza’s Lisa Ward explains: “Classic Ibiza has always been an experience best enjoyed with your family and friends. This creates a truly magical atmosphere and is what makes our show so unique. It’s therefore down to us to make it as affordable as possible for everyone to attend. Whether it’s our new staggered payment system, free parking or allowing people to bring their own picnics – it’s all part of the mix.” Ticket sales are strong again for the show’s tour of our country’s best-loved stately homes next summer, with some venues already approaching 50% capacity. For further information, visit: classicibiza.co.uk   Image credit: David Evans Photography
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