Celebrating Volunteers Week: Recognizing the extraordinary impact of Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance’s volunteers
Volunteers are amazing people and to celebrate Volunteers’ Week, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) are saying a big ‘Thank you’ to its 155 volunteers and the vital contribution they make to the work of this life-saving charity.
2024 marks the 40th year of Volunteers’ Week, and from 3-9 June LNAA joins thousands of charities to celebrate the amazing contributions volunteers make to communities across the UK.
Kate Kerrigan, Volunteering Manager, said: “Our volunteers are very important to us. They are our ambassadors who generously give their precious time in a variety of ways to raise both awareness and funds for our life-saving work.
“Their support ensures that our doctors and paramedics are able to operate 24 hours of the day, 7 days-a-week, providing pre-hospital critical care to some of the most seriously ill and injured people in the counties of Lincs and Notts.”
Julie Finn, from Grantham (pictured second left), was a full-time carer for her daughter who had special needs and epilepsy. In November 2022, after caring for her for 24 years, she sadly died. LNAA’s Aftercare Team were loving and supportive in the following months.
Julie is now a very active Volunteer for LNAA, helping out in the storeroom, getting merchandise ready to take to events, setting up and attending events, picking up collection tins and pretty much anything else she can turn her hand to. The role has enabled Julie to meet new people, and sharing her experience has made her able to face the future with greater confidence.
Julie said: “If anyone is thinking about volunteering for LNAA, my message is please give it a go! You will meet the most amazing people. To be honest you’ll never look back – I haven’t.”
Kate sums up: “Volunteers can give as much or as little time as they are able to on a regular or occasional basis. Whatever your skills or experience, whatever time you can give, there are lots of different roles available as a volunteer with LNAA so why not do something amazing today and join our fantastic team.”
More stories about LNAA’s fabulous volunteers can be found on the website: https://www.ambucopter.org.uk/supporter-stories/make-a-difference-this-volunteers-week/
Kick off for Clee Fields as YMCA Humber chosen as operator
The construction of Clee Fields, a new playing pitch facility off Ladysmith Road, started in January 2023, and has now been completed. The two brand new 3G pitches have been lined and fresh new changing rooms in the main building are complete and ready for use when the facility opens later this year.
The operator for the facility has now been appointed following a competitive tendering process: YMCA Humber will take on and run the facility, initially for 5 years.
Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, explained: “We have created Clee Fields not only for current demand but also for the demand we expect to see in the future, and are looking forward to seeing growth through the use of the facilities by local sports groups and clubs, and community groups.
“It’s great to have YMCA on board to run this for the community, and I hope this will become a popular local asset. I can’t wait to see the facilities to be used and appreciated.”
Kate Conway, Chief Executive Officer at YMCA Humber, said: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council on the management of the Clee Fields facility. This project will complement the work we already do across our youth, sports, and wellbeing provisions.
“Under the five-year contract we plan to promote, develop, and manage a welcoming, inclusive, and diverse community sports offer, including physical activities for those with a disability or long-term health conditions. There will also be social inclusion activities, focusing on women and girls football opportunities.
“We also are keen to work in partnership with organisations, local football teams and clubs, and schools who are keen to hire out 3G pitches and use Clee Fields as their primary training ground.”
The project has been funded by a £1.5 million grant from the Premier League, The FA, and the Government’s Football Foundation, along with money from the Council’s capital projects budget.
The main ‘pavilion’ has been designed with everyone in mind, having accessible facilities suitable for all genders, four large team changing areas, changing spaces for officials, and a kitchen, servery, and eating area, which doubles up as a ‘team chat and motivation zone’ when not in use by the public. The latter can be accessed from both inside and out, which is handy for people to drop in for a drink while they are playing, or for spectators at the venue.
Solar panels on the roof feed electricity into the building, with the potential for any surplus to be fed into the wider National Grid, air source heat pumps provide the heating and contribute to hot water provision for post-match showers, and in the future, there will be two EV charging points for electric cars. By adding this technology to the venue, the local carbon footprint is hugely reduced, and the building will subsequently benefit from cheaper running costs.
Outside, the two 3G, artificial grass pitches will be available for football with markings for 5, 7, 9, and 11-a-side football, and the second is also enabled for rugby use.
Cllr Jackson continued: “While we already have the exceptionally popular Bradley Football Development Centre, the Clee Fields facility is a fantastic addition and will support in addressing shortfalls in artificial grass pitch provision across the borough, also providing facilities in this area of North East Lincolnshire.
“It is also exciting that we have been able to implement the air source heat pumps and PV panels to help reduce carbon emissions. This is an important aspect of the build and a positive addition to the local authority portfolio.”
The facility will be able to provide all-year-round football and rugby use for the community, including local clubs, leagues and schools, as well as the opportunity for hosting tournaments and events.
Picture: Cllr Philip Jackson and Kate Conway. Image courtesy of North East Lincolnshire Council
Almost £150,000 awarded to East Lindsey community projects
Just under £150,000 has been released from East Lindsey’s allocation of UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) to award to community projects – in addition to an extra allocation of £250,000 from the East Lindsey Community Reserve.
Two projects are set to benefit from this latest round of funding, which comes as a result of both the return of funds from projects delivered below cost and non-allocated funding within an underspend of the Communities and Place strand of the UKSPF programme in the district.
The first recipient is Louth’s Riverhead Theatre, which will use its award to focus on its renovation and expansion of its Youth Theatre offer.
This project seeks to support the theatre to expand both the range and size of youth theatre provision available to residents, ensuring that this is accessible for people of all ages and abilities in the town. The project will also support the purchase of new sound equipment and a general cosmetic renovation of the theatre. Scholarships, paid for through the grant, will be made available to young people facing disadvantage and young people in rural communities.
The second recipient, Acis Group and Riverside Training, has received funding for Project Thrive.
This project seeks funding to employ a project officer to deliver a programme to a cohort of 85 residents from Mablethorpe and the surrounding area. The project will focus on supporting them to overcome health and confidence barriers to access work and/or volunteering opportunities. The project will also deliver a detailed research piece into Mablethorpe residents’ perceptions of place, which could be used to inform future commissioning/regeneration initiatives.
This latest round of funding comes just after an announcement that the popular UKSPF funded GrassROOTS scheme, which is being delivered by Lincolnshire Community Foundation (LCF), has also been awarded an additional £250,000 via East Lindsey District Council’s Corporate Priority Reserve to continue to provide grants for parishes, village halls and community projects.
East Lindsey Councillors Steve Kirk, portfolio holder for The Coastal Economy, and Adam Grist, portfolio holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy, said: “There has been such a high level of demand for the UK Shared Prosperity funding across East Lindsey so it’s great that we have been able to release some extra money for these projects.
“We know that this funding will go towards improving the lives of residents of all ages in our district and we are excited to see the results of these projects.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG Cash boost to enable extensive repairs at one of North Lincolnshire’s finest listed buildings
A £150,000 Government cash boost will help throw open the doors of one of North Lincolnshire’s finest listed buildings – Baysgarth House in Barton-upon-Humber.
The investment will enable extensive repairs to be carried out to the fabric of the building, which is set in 30 acres of Green Flag award-winning parkland – allowing it re-open as early as Spring 2025.
An ambitious programme of works will then breathe new life into the 18th century building – with exciting plans to create a museum and exhibition space, gift shop, café, archive, and community spaces.
It comes as Barton receives a further £5,000 to promote the town’s heritage, putting it on the map as a visitor destination of historical significance and attracting waves of new visitors.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “It’s brilliant to see this Government cash being used to give a new lease of life to local landmarks and historic buildings like Baysgarth House that residents hold dear.
“Together with hardworking volunteers, we are working hard to preserve North Lincolnshire’s fascinating heritage, but we want to go even further – creating new and improved attractions, increasing community pride and showcasing our area to even more people.”
Another of the town’s impressive buildings, and the longest Grade II listed structure in the country, The Ropewalk, will receive £7,600 to tell the story of world-renowned horse painter, George Stubbs – who’s connection to North Lincolnshire is being explored this year in a series of events and workshops.
Liz Bennet, managing director at The Ropewalk, said: “Barton-upon-Humber is a historic town with many hidden riches and this funding will go a long way to publicising this important heritage on our doorstep.
“The artist George Stubbs created many of his important early works whilst under the patronage of the Nelthorpe family who were the owners of Baysgarth House at the time. The funding will enable The Ropewalk to work in partnership with Scawby Hall, the current home of the Nelthorpe family, and North Lincolnshire Museum to explore the importance of North Lincolnshire in this artist’s work.”
The cash comes from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council
Protect oak trees from predatory caterpillars, public urged
People are being urged to be vigilant for any sightings of oak processionary moth caterpillars, a tree pest which can strip oak trees of their foliage and leave them susceptible to disease.
The caterpillars – found mostly in South East England – descend oak trees in head-to-tail processionary form, occasionally taking the form of an arrow shape, earning them their name. They feed on the leaves as they migrate causing the leaves to sometimes drop off which negatively impacts their growth. This can weaken the tree and leave it more vulnerable to other stresses, such as drought and further diseases.
The warning has been issued today by the Forestry Commission who are urging the public to report any sightings to the via the TreeAlert portal or by email to opm@forestrycommission.gov.uk.
Oak processionary moth was first identified in London in 2006 after being accidentally transported over from Europe in trees for planting. It has since spread to surrounding counties in the South East, and last July, a small outbreak of the caterpillars were found at a site designated free from the pest.
The caterpillars and their nests, made of distinctive white silken webbing, contain hairs that can cause itchy rashes, eye and throat irritation and should not be touched under any circumstances. The nests can be found in the trunk or branches of oak trees, where they fade to a light brown over time. The public are urged never to try and dispose of the nests themselves.
Andrew Hoppit, Oak Processionary Moth Project Manager, said: “It is important those living and working in areas affected by oak processionary moth remain vigilant about the health risks they pose, when enjoying outdoor spaces, as we are entering the greatest risk period.
“The Forestry Commission has a whole host of information online that can be used to identify the moth, simply visit managing oak processionary moth in England. If you spot the pest, report the sighting via our TreeAlert portal. Alternatively, you can email opm@forestrycommission.gov.uk.”
Council purchases 36 new homes in £6.5m boost to social housing portfolio
South Kesteven District Council has announced its biggest investment in social housing in a generation in a £6.5m deal to help replace council housing sold to tenants under the Government Right to Buy legislation.
The Council has exchanged contracts to purchase 36 newly built homes for people on its housing register to help mitigate the loss of more than 40 homes a year as a result of Right to Buy.
The new homes are part of a development off Swinstead Road, Corby Glen, and will be paid for and built in seven phases up to June 2028. They range from one bedroom apartments to four bedroom family homes and have been secured by the Council to make the best use of funds.
Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, Cllr Phil Dilks, said: “The number of houses we can rent to those most in need has been falling year on year at the same time as the demand is rising.
“We are determined to do what we can to mitigate average loss of more than 40 homes a year to Right to Buy so we can continue providing decent housing for those most in need.
“We have adopted a hybrid flexible approach to acquiring replacement homes by building on sites we already own as well as negotiating with house builders to buy off-plan, particularly where registered housing providers are unable to secure funding to purchase the ‘affordable’ homes on major developments that have to be agreed as a condition of planning permission.
“We are also in discussions with house builders on further sites in the District, which are all moving in a positive direction.
“The Corby Glen new-build housing will all be allocated to people on the Council’s housing register when they are completed and handed over.”
SKDC has also acquired 21 properties as part of the Local Authority Housing Fund tranche 1 and a further eight properties are being purchased around the Bourne area for a second tranche of the LAHF money. These properties were specifically to house Ukrainian and Afghans as part of a central government scheme.
In addition, the Council is using Section 106 developer contribution money to buy a fully adapted bungalow in the Market Deeping area, where a number of people require specific types of properties. The property team is looking at acquiring further properties to meet these needs.
Progress on SKDC’s own new-builds includes:
- Swinegate, Grantham: Demolition and site preparation under way for 20 new homes
- Elizabeth Road, Stamford: All four units due for completion in August 2024
- Larch Close, Grantham: work due to start in September on 21 units
- Wellington Way, Market Deeping: Planning process under way for 14 new homes
- Gorse Rise, Grantham: Six units at design stage
- Kesteven Road, Stamford: Discussions under way for a 14-unit build
- Bourne End Road, Colsterworth: Potential nine-unit scheme
Students and care home residents in Spalding build friendships through YOPEY Dementia Befriender scheme
Care and nursing homes in the Country Court group have welcomed young people into their homes throughout this academic year as part of the YOPEY Dementia Befriender initiative.
This important intergenerational work is coordinated by Tony Gearing MBE of the charity YOPEY which builds relationships between care home operators and secondary schools.
Established in 2012, YOPEY gives young people the opportunity to contribute to their communities through volunteering to provide company to elderly people living in care homes.
At St John’s Care Home in Spalding residents enjoyed meeting sixth-form students from Spalding Grammar School.
Natalie Parnham, Home Manager at St John’s Care Home, said: “Over the months, the students have built up meaningful relationships with our residents, many of whom are living with dementia. We can see the students’ visits have a positive impact on people’s moods and overall wellbeing.
“In addition, they are a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain first-hand experience of dementia and learn about life in a care home. We hope the experience will inspire some to pursue a career in the care sector.”
Tony Gearing said: “YOPEY loves giving young people the opportunity to both enrich the lives of care home residents but also to learn wisdom from their elders. Following our training, sixth-formers from Spalding Grammar are doing a great job at St John’s, a lovely care home.”
After her visit student Milena said: “I met a new resident named Peter who was part of the army and the navy…. Peter talked about his time there and we talked about history (the world wars mainly).
“He mentioned the countries he served in and what the borders between countries looked like. We also talked about which books we liked, and he read us some poems (from memory). He told us that he came from Ireland and talked about his family.”
Student Oliwia reported: “I met a resident called Dave who gave me some encouragement, and good life advice. This was a very enjoyable conversation.”
Student Jack said: “The residents were very friendly and greeted me with a kiss on the cheek. This was nice because it made me feel welcomed and that they appreciated my time there.”
Natalie Parnham, Home Manager at St John’s Care Home, added: “Here at St John’s Care Home, we have first-hand experience of how challenging life can be for families who have a loved one living with dementia.
“We know our residents benefit from being in such a supportive community here in Spalding, where we can take advantage of initiatives such as the YOPEY Dementia Befriender Community Partnership.”
For more information about life at St John’s Care Home please contact stjohns@countrycourtcare.com or call 01775 710567.
Agreement safeguards £300m regeneration of RAF Scampton
West Lindsey District Council has reached an agreement with the Home Office to explore temporary dual use of Lincolnshire’s former RAF Scampton site, marking a significant step forward in securing the council’s vision to deliver its regeneration plans for the site through collaboration. Under the agreement, outstanding legal action will be withdrawn.
The Home Office, which has planning permission awarded through a Special Development Order can use the site for a fixed period of time, up to October 2027 and has agreed to house a significantly reduced number of asylum seekers.
The agreement also allows the council to use a portion of the land to pursue the regeneration of the site with preferred development partner Scampton Holdings Limited. The Home Office will retain just 10% of the site to temporarily house up to 800 asylum seekers – compared to the original 2,000.
Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Trevor Young said the agreement is the culmination of weeks of negotiations with the Home Office and the result provides the community and investors greater certainty for the long-term future of the site. He said:“The specific details of the agreement are still being finalised, but this agreement paves the way forward for the short-term and long-term use of the site.
“The council have always been clear that whilst it is our view that the site is unsuitable for large scale asylum accommodation, protecting the investment and regeneration plans for the site is a priority. This agreement provides the principles by which we can collaborate to unlock our investment and regeneration plan by working with the Home Office through a shared use proposal.”
Cllr Young thanked the community for its continued support and said the council will focus its scrutiny and challenge to ensure the impact of asylum accommodation on the local community is as little as possible.
The Home Office has committed to working with the council and Historic England to protect the heritage of the site, which is the former home of the Dambusters.
Two listed hangars, the listed officers’ mess and Wing Commander Guy Gibson’s dog’s grave will be transferred to West Lindsey District Council once a legal agreement is in place, with the remaining listed hangars being transferred in 2026.
As previously announced, the £300m of investment into the regeneration of the former RAF Scampton will preserve, protect, and enhance the site by providing aviation heritage, business, aerospace, space and education opportunities.
Sally Grindrod-Smith, Director of Planning, Regeneration and Communities at West Lindsey District Council said: “This marks a turning point in the council’s journey to protect the £300 million investment and regeneration plan. Our strategy to challenge every detail and hold the Home Office to account has successfully delivered the conditions in which the opportunity to collaborate and deliver a temporary, shared use of the site now exists.
“This includes a significant reduction in operating capacity of the asylum accommodation centre, a vastly reduced Home Office footprint, and a suite of conditions on the Special Development Order designed to mitigate the impact of the development.
“I am confident that over the coming months we can continue to use our energy and passion to protect this site and to develop an innovative and creative shared use proposal which allows for the kickstarting of plans to bring significant investment into West Lindsey and Lincolnshire.”
The Baths Hall to welcome Nadiya and Kai from Strictly Come Dancing
After the great success of their critically acclaimed debut tour ‘Once Upon A Time’, dance stars Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington have announced they will be touring the UK again throughout June 2024 with their brand new show ‘Behind The Magic’.
The 25-date tour will begin in Gateshead on 1st June and end in Southampton on 30th June, and includes a date at Scunthorpe’s Baths Hall on 9th June.
During Nadiya and Kai’s debut tour, the Strictly Come Dancing professionals shared personal stories from their journey through the world of dance; from their childhood memories, competition days, dancing on Strictly and beyond. Combining heartfelt stories with stunning choreography, audiences across the country were given an insight into their respective roads to success and a glimpse into the real life couple’s fairy-tale romance.
For Behind the Magic, Nadiya and Kai, backed by their incredibly talented cast of singers and dancers, invite audiences back into their world to catch a rare insider’s glimpse into how all ‘the magic’ comes together.
From TV shows to commercial campaigns, photoshoots to live tours, they will be taking us behind the lens to see things from a very different perspective, highlighting the influence of some of the greatest legends, creatives and artists of the 20th Century, whose impact is still felt today among some of the most successful contemporary artists.
Nadiya said: “I cannot wait for everyone to see our new show. It is so exciting to be able to throw a lifetime of my thoughts, visions and dreams into ‘Behind The Magic’ and to create something unique and inspiring with the most talented and incredible people.”
Kai added: “Starring in ‘Once Upon A Time’, our first headline tour, was the realisation of a lifelong dream for both Nadiya and I, a real career highlight. Now we get the chance to do it all over again next summer with our new show ‘Behind The Magic’. We cannot wait to get back on stage together and entertain our fans once more, and be able to bring the curtain down in my hometown of Southampton will be the icing on the cake.”
Bumper free family activity programme comes to Scunthorpe town centre this summer
Families can look forward to a bumper programme of free activities in Scunthorpe town centre this summer when a host of hands-on experiences take place.
The fun starts on Saturday 1 June with Play! – an interactive event to fire up children’s imaginations. The whole family will love the Actual Reality Arcade, which brings arcade favourites, including PacMan, Space Invaders, and whack-a-mole, out of the screen and into real life.
Theatre company Half a String will be bringing their fantastic puppet van to the event at Queen Elizabeth Gardens at Church Square, with performances two metres up in the air – meaning everyone gets a fantastic view. The shows will be on at 11.30am and 2pm.
The hugely popular Discover event is back on Saturday 6 July in and around Queen Elizabeth Gardens and will launch the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge – Marvellous Makers.
There will be dozens of events, exhibits and hands-on activities designed to get five to 13-year-olds playing, participating and thinking.
Later this summer, young explorers will discover new stories, meet authors, and join in with free workshops at special themed Breakfast and Books sessions – taking place every Wednesday at Scunthorpe Central from 24 July and 28 August.
In a brand-new addition for this year, after the morning tucking into their free breakfast, families will be entertained by amazing pop-up shows from some of the country’s top street theatre companies and dancers – with performances on the high street and at Queen Elizabeth Gardens.
This year’s programme will build on the huge success of last year’s events which saw thousands of people visit the town centre to experience amazing spectacles including a giant 18-metre inflatable whale, whilst supporting the high street.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We’re bringing even more exciting events to local families this summer – it is a big part of our commitment to encourage as many people as possible to visit Scunthorpe town centre and support their local high street.
“The programme is packed full of free events the whole family will enjoy, with lots of surprises to come. At the same time, I’m pleased to confirm many of our most popular activities are returning.
“We are delivering on our promise to provide free swimming sessions once again across North Lincolnshire for children over the summer holidays. It’s a great way to keep the kids active and entertained and won’t cost families a penny.”
Upcoming events:
- Saturday 1 June: Play! – Queen Elizabeth Gardens and 20-21
- Saturday 6 July: Discover – Queen Elizabeth Gardens, Scunthorpe Central, UTC, and 20-21
- Monday 22 July to Tuesday 3 September – Council leisure centres open for free swimming sessions
- Every Wednesday between 24 July and 28 August – Breakfast and Books and more – Scunthorpe Central and town centre
- Saturday 14 September: A Green Future
