The Christmas Lights Festival in Gainsborough returns this November, bringing with it fun for the whole family.
The festive spectacular takes place over 15 and 16 November. The excitement includes vintage fairground rides, a giant snow globe, street artists and entertainers.
On both days the main stage in Market Place will see local schools and choirs taking the spotlight. Keeping with the musical theme, there will be a DJ on Friday evening, while on Saturday live bands will take to the stage to perform.
Market Street will be lined with food stalls and festive traders, offering the best in local, independent, traders. Market Street will again be closed to passing traffic for the entirety of the event.
The event is organised by West Lindsey District Council with support from Gainsborough Town Council and is sponsored by local businesses.
Cllr Lesley Rollings, Deputy Leader of the Council and Chairman of Prosperous Communities at West Lindsey District Council, said she was looking forward to the community getting together for the event.
“The Christmas Lights Festival really does create a magical atmosphere in Gainsborough that is enjoyed by the local community and visitors alike. What a wonderful fun-filled way to head into Christmas.”
Car Parking is free from 6pm on Friday 15 November and all day Saturday 16 November in Council-owned car parks for the event.
Lincoln sightseeing bus tours earns national recognition
VisitEngland has awarded Lincoln’s sightseeing bus tour 95% on its quality assurance scale, earning it a Gold Accolade.
The Gold Awards are given every year to participants in the Visitor Attraction quality scheme who achieve a high standard, and that the assessor felt were truly deserving of recognition.
Nominations for the accolade are based on a range of feedback, including the annual assessment, observations by the assessor, customer feedback – both directly to VisitEngland and online customer reviews.
Sharon Stone, Corporate Manager responsible for the Sightseeing Tour Bus, said: “This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Tour Guides and the operator Stagecoach East Midlands – I couldn’t ask for a better team!”
The overall Visitor Attraction Scheme is designed to help visitor attractions to improve, whether through increased visitor numbers, a more engaged visitor experience. The Tour assessment is tailored to the type of experience offered to visitors, in our case, 2,000 years of history with live commentary to include Lincoln’s Magna Carta, the stunning Cathedral and Castle, Roman Lincoln, Aviation Heritage and much more.
Accreditation was awarded based on feedback from a mystery passenger, who turned out to be the Lead Assessor for the UK. The assessment was based on a number of criteria including the branding and appearance of the sightseeing bus, the welcome by trained Tour Guides, the live commentary of 2,000 years of history, our advertising collateral and customer feedback.
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “These accolades highlight the wonderful visitor experiences provided by English attractions, from the warmest of welcomes to amazing food and drink, from great storytelling to outstanding customer service.
“Our tourism businesses are the bedrock of our industry and it is wonderful to highlight and celebrate the fantastic service and experiences they give visitors, time-after-time. From museums, gardens and nature reserves to farm attractions, estates and theme parks, these attractions go out of their way to make visits memorable.”
New kit for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance doctor thanks to Len Pick Trust
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) is saying a huge thanks to the Len Pick Trust for generously funding the cost to kit out one of its new doctors.
Doctor Chris Woodmansey joined LNAA earlier in the year and needed to be kitted out with a made to measure outfit that would be suitable for the demanding work that he and the rest of the LNAA team undertake every day.
Thanks to the Trustees at The Len Pick Trust and their generous donation of £3,554, Chris now has a specifically designed uniform which will help him to provide a range of emergency procedures for the patients that he will treat.
He said: “Our uniform is essential for the work that we do, and we ask it to do a lot for us! It’s vital that we can get to anyone who needs our help no matter where or when the incident happens. So, the uniform must be built for below-zero winter nights, fire resistance, climbing through a hedge, walking down a ditch, or any other conditions we find after landing.
“There are multiple durable storage pockets which allows us to keep emergency equipment immediately to hand but protected. And a uniform that fits well means we’re not inhibited when performing a procedure or rushing to a patient.”
The Len Pick Trust, based in Bourne, Lincolnshire give grants to organisations that will benefit the people of the town. Trustee David Bailey explained why it was so important for them to make this donation to LNAA.
He said: “Everybody in Bourne could benefit from Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance at any time. Bourne is a rural town and the importance is there for all to see. The air ambulance flies overhead regularly and most of us know people in the town who have been helped by LNAA.
“These uniforms are not just a nice set of uniforms, they are protecting the medics. Our funding has bought a uniform that will look after the person looking after the patient.”
Work through your wedding planning list at the Newark and Notts County Wedding Show
Ready to get working through that wedding planning list? Enjoy the Newark and Notts County Wedding Show on Sunday 3rd November, 11.00am-3.00pm, at the Newark Showground, where you will meet the region’s greatest wedding suppliers, discover the latest trends, and find all the inspiration you need to make your special day the most memorable occasion.
You’ll also have the chance to pick up a copy of Lincolnshire Today’s wedding guide!
Whether you have just started planning your wedding or you only have a few things left to organise, you will get so much out of visiting the show – you will be able to smell the flowers, try on the jewellery, taste the cake, feel the fabric, hear your favourite music, and most importantly you can talk directly to the experts to discuss you own unique and personal requirements.
You can see new wedding ideas and start ticking everything off that wedding planning ‘to do’ list! See amazing wedding venues, beautiful wedding gowns to suit all budgets, incredible photographers to ensure you capture every special moment, stunning wedding transport to ensure you get to your wedding in style, decor to wow, and much, much more. You will find everything you need to plan your special day at this fantastic event!
To ensure you get the most out of your day…
- Visit www.cupidsweddingshows.com for your FREE tickets.
- Bring labels with your name and email address printed on them. Many exhibitors will ask for your details usually to send your further information and offers after the event. If you already have these printed it will save you a lot of time on the day!
- You could create a temporary wedding email address to pass on to suppliers. Many people do not like passing on their personal email address – this way suppliers can still send you information and offers after the show.
- Bring swatches of material or ribbon in your chosen colour scheme to help when talking to exhibitors (for example florists could recommend certain flowers in season the date of your wedding which will match your chosen colours).
- Talk to as many suppliers as you can – many will have gifts for every couple.
- Most importantly – enjoy the day!
Maroon tulips offered to honour airborne forces
Eye-catching maroon tulips are being offered for planting across the South Kesteven District as part of a growing international Airborne Tulip Memorials trail.
It’s part of South Kesteven District Council’s ‘Soldiers from the Sky’ project, funded by National Lottery players through The National Lottery Heritage Fund to commemorate a unique chapter in the District’s military heritage.
Men of the British 1st Airborne Division trained with allied paratroopers from America and Poland and flew from airfields at Barkston Heath and Saltby for Operation Market Garden – the Battle of Arnhem – in September 1944.
Tulips colour-match the distinctive beret worn by British airborne forces.
The first bulbs have been planted in Grantham’s Heroes Commemorative Orchard with more going into the town’s Council-owned Wyndham Park, Grimsthorpe Castle, Harlaxton Manor and village churchyards.
A number of free bulbs remain available for visitor sites, schools, parks, parish councils, public spaces and members of the public, possibly with family links to airborne forces.
Cllr Rhea Rayside, SKDC Cabinet member for People and Communities, said: “It’s a wonderful tribute and we are grateful to National Lottery players who have enabled us to carpet South Kesteven with these beautiful flowers.
“We look forward to creating this living memorial to remember and commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of so many.”
Cllr Dixon Warren said: “Airborne forces gathered here in 1944 to train and eventually depart for Arnhem from local airfields. These tulips will add their own colour to a story forever linked to South Kesteven.”
Cheshire man Darren Kaye, whose grandfather fought at Arnhem, started the memorial trail in the Netherlands at sites around Arnhem.
Airborne Tulip Memorials have taken root in the UK at The Royal Chelsea Hospital, Merville Barracks in Colchester and The National Arboretum.
To request bulbs, please email armedforces@southkesteven.gov.uk with quantities requested and proposed planting sites.
Image credit: South Kesteven District Council
Leaders call for urgent clarifications on RAF Scampton site
Lincolnshire County Council (LCC), City of Lincoln Council (CoL), and West Lindsey District Council (WLDC) are calling for urgent dialogue with the Minister and the Home Office to clarify the decommissioning and disposal timelines for the RAF Scampton site, which is currently owned by the Home Office.
The Home Office previously announced they would no longer be using RAF Scampton as asylum accommodation as it no longer reflects value for money.
However, since the decision was made there has been no indication of a timeline for the disposal and sale for the site.
Partners are asking questions about the future and the councils are unable to give any clarity at this time. The site is still owned by the Home Office who are responsible for the site and still has a presence on site.
A letter highlights the councils’ concerns over the prolonged uncertainty and the impact this has on local planning and community interests.
Cllr Trevor Young, Leader of West Lindsey District Council, said: “We are deeply concerned about the length of time it is taking to clarify the timelines and processes associated with the decommissioning and disposal of RAF Scampton.
“This delay not only affects our planning and development strategies but also raises serious concerns about the condition of the site and the preservation of its heritage assets.”
The councils emphasise the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure that the future of RAF Scampton is handled with transparency and consideration for its historical significance and the well-being of the local community.
Cllr Naomi Tweddle, Leader of City of Lincoln Council, said: “It’s essential that we meet with government to obtain an update on the current situation with Scampton. Its future impacts all of our communities and the current lack of clarity on the way forward for the site needs to be addressed.”
Cllr Martin Hill OBE, Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Even though the Home Office has confirmed they do not plan to use the former RAF Scampton for asylum accommodation, there’s still a great deal of uncertainty about the future of the site until there is a clear timeline about the next steps.”
Comedy professor returns for annual spooky lecture
Historical comedy character Professor Edvard Von Goosechaser has been entertaining crowds at the National Civil War Centre for the past 7 years and now he’s back with hilarious hellraising show Sects and Violence, perfect for the Halloween season.
On Friday 8 November, travel back in time to All Hallows’ Eve 1668 for the annual Professor Edvard von Goosechaser lecture on all things supernatural.
The subject is mad prophets, prophetesses and crazy 17th century cult leaders and, throughout the course of the evening, the Professor will take audience members on a laugh-out-loud journey, exploring the prophet with the most ridiculous name, how eating a raw potato could bring you closer to God, and the catastrophic curse wars that erupted between two cults and one fledgling religion.
A favourite segment of previous performances has been the 17th century themed dating game Bed Wed Behead and audiences will once again be treated to this hilarious interactive experience with accompaniment from Goosechaser’s mysterious musical companion Marco.
Adam Nightingale, Participation and Learning Officer at the National Civil War Centre and creator/star of the show, said: “If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Edvard yet, you can expect a madcap blend of strange storytelling, musical interactivity, weird and wonderful characters, and incomprehensible accents…as well as some actual historical content.”
Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This is such a unique night out and a great way to absorb some really fascinating lesser-known facts about history in a humorous way, a perfect entry point for teens. It’s wonderful to see such a diverse range of events taking place at our local museum, engaging people of all ages with our incredible past.”
Sects and Violence will take place in the stunning atmosphere of the Tudor Hall. Limited tickets for the show, which is suitable for age 12+, are just £10 and available now at www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com/whatson/events or in person at the National Civil War Centre.
Other upcoming events at the Centre include an eye-opening talk about female highwaymen on Thursday 7 November, an in-depth look at 17th century fashion with costume historian Meredith Towne on Friday 22 November and a chance to enjoy Christmas with the Curators including an exclusive gallery tour and cream tea on Saturday 30 November.
Council teams up to crack down on fly-tipping
Over the past month, Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Environmental Protection, Community Protection and Licensing Officers have taken part in two successful multiagency operations, cracking down on rogue traders carrying waste without the correct documents.
Over two busy mornings, District Council officers teamed up with Nottinghamshire Police and the Environment Agency to check that vehicles carrying waste were operating legally across the district.
Officers also conducted visits to sites dealing with waste and scrap metal, which is a new venture as a further measure to prevent unlicensed carriers from illegally depositing their waste here.
The day was judged a success by all the teams due to the cooperative nature of the site visits and their aim to continue working with waste sites. The reduction in vehicles stopped, in comparison to previous similar operations, appears to correspond with the impact of successful, persistent and visible enforcement as well as education around the issue.
Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “These operations were certainly successful for us and the other authorities involved. It’s important to ensure that there is a known enforcement presence to tackle the on-going issues with illegal waste carriers we experience throughout the district. Cracking down on all environmental crime has been a focus for us over the past year and will continue to be so going forward.”
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “This operation not only strengthens our partnerships with other agencies but reassures the local community that we are taking positive action, to disrupt illegal activities regarding the transportation and sale of scrap metals and unlicensed waste carriers.”
Sergeant Marcus Bloomfield, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Fly-tipping is something that blights our rural communities – not only do people target green and sparse areas but also sometimes our rivers.
“It’s not only an eyesore to the public but fly-tipping can also be hazardous and dangerous. It also incurs a huge cost to farmers and landowners who need to get rid of the waste in an environmentally sound way. It can cause unpleasant smells, attract pests, create a dangerous environment for wildlife and animals while also affecting children and pets.
“By targeting illegal waste collectors and carrying out operations like this one we are hoping to send a strong message to those who think they can get away with dumping waste of all kinds onto areas of our community that we will act and are acting.”
When the Government’s Local Authority League Table was released earlier in the year, Newark and Sherwood ranked as the best district or borough in Nottinghamshire for fly-tipping enforcement and scored 2nd place across the whole of the East Midlands for incident to Fixed Penalty Notice ratio and 4th for FPN totals.
Free festival draws the crowds to Grantham Market Place
The first major event at Grantham Market Place since its summer renovation is being hailed a success.
Crowds of people attended both the daytime events and the evening entertainment, hosted free by South Kesteven District Council, and the culmination of weeks of community co-operation.
Street performances from Boondog Balladeers, Earthbound Misfits, Artizani and Mishap Theatre brought some fun to the streets set against the backdrop of the more serious business of music and dance on the community stage.
Then in the evening, there was more street theatre and light projections to illuminate Lindpet House with stories of Grantham’s Past, Present and Future, as the town’s heritage was celebrated.
The Punjabi Roots Academy set the rhythm and led the main event, a community parade, through the town.
SKDC Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Cllr Paul Stokes, who is also Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “It was a real pleasure to witness the community come together, and to be a part of the first of many such events this new space in the heart of the town offers.
“The idea was to celebrate the area’s rich heritage and community spirit. This was borne out through preparation that involved more than 500 members of the public who created the lanterns and decoration for both parts of the day.
“We saw local artists exhibit their work, singers and dancers taking over the community stage, all alongside the regular Saturday market which is itself going from strength to strength.
“The light projection show and lantern parade through Westgate to the Market Cross was a fitting climax to the day.
“I hope this success will give some inspiration and encouragement to all parts of our rich and varied community here in Grantham and pave the way for much more of the same in the future.”
Cllr Stokes also paid tribute to the SKDC staff who organised the festival and ensured it ran smoothly on the day, including the Economic Development team and markets staff.
Image credit: South Kesteven District Council
Christmas Tree Festival returns to St Botolph’s Church
In partnership with the St Botolph’s Church, Boston Borough Council has announced the return of the indoor Christmas Tree Festival.
This festive season, the entire community, groups, businesses, and schools are being invited to come together once again and create a Christmas Tree Festival like no other.
A limited number of Christmas trees are being offered free of charge on a First Come, First Served basis. However, don’t worry if you miss out on these, as you can provide your own tree to decorate.
Participating in this festival is as easy as completing the form at www.boston.gov.uk/xmastreefestival2024 and returning to karen.stengel@boston.gov.uk expressing your interest.
Mark your calendars because the Christmas Tree Festival will be running from Friday 29th November to Friday 6th December. Set up will be Wednesday 27th November.
Adam Kelk, Head Verger and Commercial Manager at St Botolph’s Church, said: “We are delighted to be working with Boston Borough Council again on this great community project.
“There are so many organisations and businesses in our town and this gives us an opportunity to celebrate them. What better setting than our very own Parish Church. Last year’s celebrations were a huge success and we want to bring that back for 2024, it really is an amazing new addition to Boston’s festive season.”
Get ready to bask in the warm glow of beautifully decorated Christmas trees.
