Revamp work starts on Embassy Theatre at Skegness

Stuart Pearcey
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Revamp work starts on Embassy Theatre at Skegness

Transformational work on the historic Embassy Theatre in Skegness has started on-site as part of Cultural Skegness, an East Lindsey District Council led project designed to bring a new ‘culture house concept’ to the town.

The redevelopment is designed to help the venue, which has been in Skegness since 1926, to expand and adapt to current needs, creating improved, modern, and accessible facilities that will provide residents and visitors with a bigger and better offer of activities and shows to enjoy. Improvements are based on the founding principles of the ‘culture house concept’, based on a Scandinavian model aimed at boosting local engagement in the arts and diversifying a venue’s offer all year round. The ambition for the culture house is to create a space to support the exploration and enjoyment of new opportunities and activities for young people and the local community, whilst continuing to develop the creative sector in the Lincolnshire coast, which is already developing and forming new national and international connections, including the Embassy’s ongoing partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company and its Associate Schools Programme. The plans for the Towns Fund and Arts Council England funded work received planning permission on 5 September, and include significant upgrades to seating within the auditorium, an extended storage area for staging and equipment, and the creation of a new feature entrance and multi-purpose space to the southern side of the building. A new external seating area will be introduced, and there will be upgrades to existing changing rooms, lift and toilet areas throughout. The proposals also include new Embassy venue signage on the front of the building. The development is part of the Skegness Connected Coast Town Deal and Arts Council England’s Cultural Development Fund project, which has contributed to a £4.1million total programme of works for the theatre. Councillor Steve Kirk, the council’s champion for the project, said: “This project will help to allow residents and holidaymakers alike access to the highest quality of performances, workshops and more. It will also provide a valuable platform for new creative businesses to develop and grow in East Lindsey, creating exciting new jobs and adding diversity to our existing cultural offer.” Chris Baron, Chair, Connected Coast said: “It is fantastic news that work is now beginning on the Embassy Theatre, bringing us closer to realising the transformational ambitions for the much-loved venue. “The plans will create many more, new, and diverse opportunities for people to enjoy performances and events in Skegness and participate in learning and creative activities. “The proposals for the site will maximise the potential of the venue as a place that has something for everyone, whether you are a local resident or visitor to the town.”

The Grove Care Home in Waltham launches monthly Coffee Mornings

Tess Egginton
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The Grove Care Home in Waltham launches monthly Coffee Mornings
The Grove Care Home in Waltham, near Grimsby, is launching monthly Community Coffee Mornings, beginning on Wednesday 6th November from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Each month, these events will support a nominated charity, starting with a special fundraising effort for ‘Wear It Pink Day’ in support of Breast Cancer Now. Customer Relations Manager Ros Wells shared her excitement: “We are delighted to invite our community to our Coffee Club Café, which was recently declared open by the Deputy Mayor Cllr Janet Goodwin and Deputy Consort Mr Barry Goodwin during a ribbon cutting ceremony last month. “Our Community Coffee Mornings are designed to offer a welcoming and supportive space for everyone in our local area.” Residents of The Grove eagerly anticipate welcoming families, neighbours, and the local community members for a morning of refreshments, fresh cakes, and conversation. The Grove also welcomes their local community to their future Community Coffee Mornings which are scheduled in for Wednesday 4th December then every first Wednesday of a month thereafter. To arrange a tour of The Grove Care Home or for more information, please contact Ros Wells, Customer Relations Manager, at 01472 821127 or email ros.wells@countrycourtcare.com.

Council fires a broadside at Government’s pylon network claims

Stuart Pearcey
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Council fires a broadside at Government’s pylon network claims
Lincolnshire County Council hotly disputes Government claims about the need for the county to accept a network of pylons to carry energy generated offshore. Leader Martin Hill doesn’t accept claims by PM Kier Starmer that onshore pylons would be cheaper than laying cables on the seabed, and that residents across the east coast should simply put up with the proposed pylon network because the country ‘needs’ them. He said: “We understand these offshore wind farms need to be connected to the grid, but pylons are not the only option. The argument that seabed cables are too costly is disputed. National Grid has never provided details about the cost of the options, claiming it is commercially sensitive. “How can it be more cost effective to put over 400 pylons up in Lincolnshire alone and pay for the compensation arrangements, associated road infrastructure, and substations? “National Grid already plans to bring power generated in Scotland down to Lincolnshire on the seabed. This power isn’t to meet the county’s needs, it’s needed further south, so why not continue seabed cables further down the coast? “We all accept we need to reduce our carbon emissions, but by putting a ridiculous deadline of 2030 in place, the new government is making illogical decisions that aren’t in the best interests of our communities. “In time, the costs of seabed cabling will come down considerably, allowing us to reach net zero whilst maintaining food security and the natural beauty of Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economic development, environment and planning, added: “These pylon plans are just the tip of an iceberg when it comes to renewable energy infrastructure planned for Lincolnshire. We must consider the cumulative effects of pylon networks, solar parks and wind. “Across all these projects, Lincolnshire is being disproportionately targeted due to our geography and topography. The government must pause all these projects until the cumulative impacts on our county have been properly assessed; we will not let Lincolnshire be a dumping ground. “As Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, once planning applications are submitted they will be decided by the Government. The degree of certainty with which the PM and a number of his MPs speak about these pylon plans sounds like predetermining the planning applications. They need to make sure they are not making a mockery of the planning process.”

Public Spaces Protection Order approved to control wild bird feeding in Boston Town Centre

Tess Egginton
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Public Spaces Protection Order approved to control wild bird feeding in Boston Town Centre
A new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) has been approved by the Cabinet of Boston Borough Council to address the uncontrolled feeding of wild birds in designated areas of Boston Town Centre. This decision was made following a public consultation and feedback from the Environment and Performance Committee. The PSPO aims to reduce the negative impact of excessive bird feeding, which has caused damage to local infrastructure, buildings, the public realm, and the heritage of Boston. The Council received strong public support for the initiative, with 82% of respondents recognising a problem with bird feeding in certain areas and 86% supporting enforcement measures. Notably, 91% of participants in the consultation either live, work, or study in the town. Cllr Anne Dorrian, Leader of the Council, said: “We are committed to maintaining a clean and welcoming environment for residents, businesses, and visitors to Boston. This new PSPO is an important step in tackling the ongoing issues caused by excessive bird feeding, which has affected our town’s infrastructure and heritage. “Most importantly, the guano (bird poo) has caused damage to one of the most beautiful buildings in Lincolnshire, St Botolph’s Parish Church, and we simply cannot stand by and do nothing. I would like to reassure residents that there will be an extensive public awareness campaign to ensure that residents know about this new order, and we will take a kindly, educative and informative approach in the early months, rather than a punitive one. “We have listened to our residents, and it’s clear that there is strong support for these measures. By taking action, we aim to preserve the beauty and character of Boston for everyone to enjoy.” The order approved this week (25 September 2024), with fixed penalty noticed fixed at £100, will enable the Council to implement and enforce measures to better protect the town centre’s environment and public spaces.

Surplus defibrillators to help save lives in Ukraine

Tess Egginton
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Surplus defibrillators to help save lives in Ukraine
Five defibrillators, surplus to requirements at South Kesteven District Council buildings, are on their way to help save lives in Ukraine. They are fully functional and needed in Ukraine, where a long-running conflict with Russia means that many goods and services are hard to get hold of. The exact destination is not yet known as it may change due to developments in the military campaign. Bernard Wood, from Generate – a Stamford-based humanitarian aid project for Ukraine – said: “Winter will be very hard for many in Ukraine so it’s an ideal time to take them out there with other donations this autumn. “Generate is a humanitarian aid project created to raise funds and donations of hardware for the benefit of those caught in the Ukraine conflict. I must thank the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) for endorsing the project; it felt like a milestone – and a responsibility too. “The current initiative is to contact individuals, businesses and organisations that may have surplus tools and equipment, in the hope that these could be donated to our project. Generate also purchases aid inside Ukraine, with donated funds. “We have raised around £1,500 through direct donations and via GoFundMe. We’ve also accepted and shipped hardware donations worth another £3,500 when new, with another £3,500 worth waiting to be transported. The most important criteria is that donations be in good, safe, fully usable condition, although we’ve also accepted generators with minor mechanical faults; engineers in Ukraine will be able to service them.” SKDC hosts 20 defibrillators across the district; some in place at sheltered accommodation, as well as at its arts centres, offices, parks and other locations. Cabinet Member for Property Councillor Richard Cleaver said: “The donated defibs are fully operational and rescue-ready, and although in this country the advice is to replace them when they reach a certain age, we didn’t want to throw them away. This option puts them to very good use.”   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/haidamac

Boston prepares for Christmas Festival

Tess Egginton
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0
Boston prepares for Christmas Festival
On Friday 29th November, Bargate Green Car Park will be transformed into a winter wonderland, featuring attractions for the whole family to enjoy. The highlight will be an ice-skating experience with a synthetic ice rink – new for 2024 -alongside several traditional fairground rides, framed by the newly illuminated Christmas lights introduced in 2023. The ice rink will be open for skating throughout the weekend, with its official launch on Friday 29th November to kick off the Boston Christmas Festival of 2024 running through to 6pm on Sunday 1st December 2024. The Christmas Festival again will bring Traditional Christmas market food and drinks, including mulled wine and Bratwurst sausages, as well as the traditional hog roast, cakes and pastries, and many other items. The Market will also feature a “fabulous selection” of stalls selling Christmas gingerbread, handmade wooden items, jewellery and Christmas ornaments and decorations, as well as pet items from The Little Blue Pupcakery. Meanwhile, a number of community acts, local bands, talent shows, and much more will bring the entertainment for the 3-day festival. Councillor Dale Broughton, Portfolio Holder for Town Centre inc events, who helped bring the market idea to life, said: “So many people we have talked to have expressed their support from the return of Boston Christmas in 2023. “So for 2024 we needed to come back with something different and what better than an ice skating experience! Bringing 3-days of entertainment to our residents and visitors to start the festivities off for 2024 is a priority for us.”   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/luckybusiness

Multimillion pound investment to transform local places in East Lindsey

Tess Egginton
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0
Multimillion pound investment to transform local places in East Lindsey

East Lindsey District Council has announced a £10m fund for investment in the local area. Aimed to be transformative, the fund will prioritise investment in four distinct target areas: community development, promoting the visitor economy, business support and to boost the attractiveness of the area.

A key part of the East Lindsey Investment Fund is about making the district’s places more welcoming through initiatives that help improve cleanliness, safety, promote tidy and attractive shop fronts, and enhance parks, gardens and public spaces. This would help to attract more people to visit the Lincolnshire Wolds and coastal areas and spend money in local shops, pubs and restaurants, supporting local businesses. To do this, the council is looking to support more events and festivals that will attract thousands more people to East Lindsey. It is anticipated that a co-ordinated programme of promotion will help raise awareness about the district’s amazing towns, villages and parishes to people from across the country, attracting them to visit and invest in the area. There is also investment prioritised for businesses, which could support the creation or expansion of employment sites, help them get the skilled support they need or encourage progress on green or environmental projects. The council wants to engage with the business community more closely to enable growth of the district’s existing economy and also attract new organisations to the area, with a view to growing the number of jobs available to residents. Community development is another fundamental aspect of the programme, which is committed to ensuring that local voluntary and community groups are supported through funding to address themes and initiatives that are close to the hearts of residents. Councillor Craig Leyland, leader of East Lindsey District Council, said: “This is an incredible opportunity to create the East Lindsey Investment Fund, and I am looking forward to hearing the community’s project ideas. We are in a fortunate position, that very few councils are, to support these bold investment opportunities and bring about the change that people want to see. “We want to be ambitious for all our communities and businesses, and we know that there are some phenomenal ideas and a desire to make things happen coming from across our district. I hope that this new fund will build on our recent national funding successes and allow an even greater number of these community devised and led projects to become a reality, continuing to help make East Lindsey a great place to live, work or visit.” Following its approval the final details of the fund are currently being put in place.
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG

Open House at Kirkstead Bridge Park showcases the perfect place to enjoy your retirement years

Tess Egginton
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0
Open House at Kirkstead Bridge Park showcases the perfect place to enjoy your retirement years
Are you looking for the perfect retirement living community in Lincolnshire? Look no further thank Kirkstead Bridge Park, where a fabulous, fully furnished, 1-bedroom home is available for viewing and immediate occupation for £145,000. Ideal for anyone looking to downsize and enjoy the benefits of living in a low maintenance, single storey home, this is the last home on the park and the last chance to join the warm and welcoming community. Situated just outside the Edwardian town of Woodhall Spa, Kirkstead Bridge Park offers the ideal location for those over 45 looking to enjoy a new lifestyle. With the town’s amenities and attractions only a short drive away residents can enjoy the convenience of town life while being able to retreat to the peaceful and close-knit community on the park. Kirkstead Bridge really is the perfect place to settle down and enjoy your retirement years. Tingdene Parks would like to invite you to take a tour of the home and experience the benefits of park home living at Kirkstead Bridge Park, on Wednesday 9th October between 10am – 3pm. Their friendly team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and give you a tour of the park. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to fall in love with park home living this autumn. To find out more please call 01933 427815 or simply just turn up on the day. Full address: Kirkstead Bridge Park, Churchill Drive, Martin Dales, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, LN10 6XX. Website: https://tingdene-parks.net/parks/12-months-residential-homes-plots-for-sale/in-lincolnshire/kirkstead-bridge/

Humber Forest plants a quarter million trees

Tess Egginton
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Humber Forest plants a quarter million trees
Humber Forest has planted a record number of trees in the last twelve months, with 238,000 trees planted across Hull, East Yorkshire, and Northern Lincolnshire. Since the project began, three years ago, 400,000 trees have been planted across the region. Humber Forest, supported by Defra, is the community forest for Hull, East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, one of 15 community forests across England and part of the larger Northern Forest that stretches from Liverpool to the Yorkshire Coast. East Riding of Yorkshire Council is the accountable body for the Humber Forest. The project provides grants to cover up to 100 per cent funding for planting as well as at least five years maintenance for farmers, landowners, businesses, and communities to plant hedgerows or trees on their land. These trees can play a vital role in reducing soil erosion and flooding, improving air quality, creating habitats for wildlife, and improving community spaces. In Winterton, Humber Forest supported the Winterton 2022 with 80 fruit trees for a community orchard and 450 woodland trees and a hedgerow to create an area that will benefit the local community and wildlife. Most trees are planted by Humber Forest delivery partners with the support of volunteers, including local residents. In Winterton, The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) assisted by volunteers from the local community and pupils from The Winterton Federation School and Winterton Academy helped to plant the trees. Kerri Prowting, Winterton 2022 co-ordinator, said: “Working with Humber Forest, North Lincolnshire Council and The Conservation Volunteers has allowed us to really kickstart the community orchard, which would have taken us a much longer time.” An Alkborough farmer approached Humber Forest to see if hedgerows could be planted to help wildlife recovery and improve the local environment. Planting took place over eight days across four sites. A total length of 2,006m of hedgerow was planted, consisting of 10,030 saplings and 122 standard trees. Beyond the benefits they bring to wildlife, the hedgerows will play an important role on the farmland, ensuring soils remain healthy, reducing the impact of drought and flooding. Councillor David Rose, cabinet member for Environment, said: “I fully support this initiative and am pleased North Lincolnshire Council is playing a full part in the establishment of the Humber Forest. “None of this would have been possible without the many farmers and landowners who have backed the Humber Forest and put their land forward for habitat creation and diversification, and we owe them a debt of thanks for that. “We all want to see more trees and hedgerows, it doesn’t just benefit wildlife but our whole community, while reaffirming our commitment to making North Lincolnshire a greener, more sustainable environment for future generations.” The Humber Forest team can fund large and small projects and are eager to hear from any landowners who are interested in planting trees or hedgerow on their land. They can be contacted at humber.forest@eastriding.gov.uk or visit www.humberforest.org Tree and hedgerow planting in the Humber Forest is supported with funding from the Trees for Climate and Northern Forest Grow Back Greener funds, which are part of the Defra Nature for Climate Fund and provide landowners with grants to cover up to 100 per cent of all woodland creation project costs.
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/gpointstudio

Planning application submitted in Boston for new Public Realm Area

Tess Egginton
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0
Planning application submitted in Boston for new Public Realm Area

The regeneration of a public realm area in Boston is a step closer with the submission of a planning application. This marks the first phase of the Rosegarth Square regeneration project, which was awarded £14.8 million in government funding.

The secured funding has allowed Boston Borough Council to look at revitalising, re-purposing and providing a new multi-functional public realm space with the aim of bettering lives and giving people pride in their communities. The area will be regenerated to become a gateway to the heart of Boston. The planning submission follows a public consultation earlier this year. A total of 345 residents participated in the consultation, alongside over 50 local businesses and stakeholders who attended in-person sessions. On social media, the consultation reached 30,808 followers, generating 2,730 engagements and 3,585 website clicks for more information. The feedback gathered during the consultation has played a key role in shaping the final designs, with the majority of feedback being that people want to see something that isn’t already present elsewhere in the town, things that can be used by all ages and abilities, vandal proof materials, interactive games, anything that encourages wellbeing of mind, other outdoor equipment, good signage and facilities that encourage healthy outdoor activities, walking etc, and natural exercise ideas. The planning application will now be assessed by planning officers and if approved the area will soon begin to be redeveloped for everyone to enjoy. This will include the relocation of the town’s iconic buoys to maintain the Heritage Trail’s prominence, a new sensory garden which can also be used as a quiet space for contemplation and reflection and new amphitheatre-style seating area. Councillor Anne Dorrian, Leader of Boston Borough Council, said: “The submission of the planning application is a major milestone in transforming this run-down part of town into an exciting new space for everyone. “The aim of this first phase of the project is to enhance connectivity within the town centre. We aim to create a new high quality public realm which will improve the experience for residents, businesses and visitors to this part of Boston, and encourage further inward investment opportunities.”  
Image Boston, Lincolnshire – credit: Stock.adobe.com/Tony
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