Etched Yorkstone paving recalls wedding of the milk bottle bride
Next month will mark 80 years since one of the most unusual weddings recorded in Grimsby Minster’s history.
On 19 April, 1944, the marriage took place of an airman to his dairy worker wife at a bomb-ravaged Grimsby Minster, and this is still remembered in the etched paving in St James’ Square.
The ornate paving was laid on two sections of pathway, which lead from St James’ Hotel to the Minster as part of the most recent renovation works to the square.
The Scoutmoor Yorkstone paving bears more than two dozen etchings of words, sentences, and symbols with connections to the town’s past, present and future. They are the creation of artist Adrian Riley, who spent weeks researching local heritage and speaking to people about their memories and those of their ancestors, before creating the artwork.
One of the men Adrian contacted was former Hereford School deputy headteacher Vic Jay, which resulted in the following words being etched onto one of the stones: “My parents’ wedding took place on 19th April 1944. Vera’s colleagues from the dairy provide a guard of honour with milk bottles.”
Vic, now retired and living in North Yorkshire, recounted the story of his parents’ marriage and how it took place in the Minster, then St James’ Church, on April 19, 1944 – less than a year after it had been damaged by a German bomb.
His dad Bob had been an airman in the Second World War whilst his mum Vera Stephenson worked at a dairy near Scartho – hence the milk bottles! However, to marry had not been easy for the couple. Owing to Vera’s age, she was just 19, Bob had to get permission to marry from her father. He refused and a visit to the local magistrate followed.
Vic takes up the story: “After a visit to the magistrate, my dad, wearing his R.A.F. uniform and speaking in his usual confident way, had little difficulty in persuading him that he was a fine upstanding young man, worthy of anyone’s hand in marriage. The magistrate then directed some harsh words at my grandad and gave Bob and Vera permission to marry.”
Bob, a fireman in Grimsby before working on the Humber Bank, lived happily with Vera and their three children until his death in 1974. Vic though has ensured the memory of his father, and late mother, lives on after researching and writing a book.
‘The Mallon Crew’ charts the history of Flight Engineer Bob and his fellow Lancaster bomber crew, who were piloted by New Zealander Bill Mallon. The wedding of his parents is also recounted by Vic who is proud to see a memory of that happy occasion on his family’s ‘very own paving stone’.
New video shows Grimsby and Cleethorpes in a different way
Lincolnshire videographer Rich Beach has worked with Discover North East Lincolnshire to create a new look at Grimsby and Cleethorpes with a film capturing key landmarks and memorable locations, promoting the towns to visitors and residents.
It’s being launched at the start of English Tourism Week, and uses photography techniques that trick the mind into thinking the image is of a miniature world. The end result is that the footage is transformed into what looks like a Hornby diorama!
Hayden Dawkins, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy said: “This captivating video gives the audience a glimpse of what’s on offer in North East Lincolnshire as a coastal destination, whether that’s to visit or to live here.
“We’re really excited to launch this video at the start of English Tourism Week and we hope it will provoke feelings of pride amongst local businesses and our residents. We want people to show it to their customers, friends and family and show off just how lovely our area is.”
Videographer and creator of the video Rich Beach said: “The whole process is complicated and can only really be shot on bright sunny days when there is little wind.”
“I heavily saturate the colours to emphasise the toy effect, and bright sunlight is needed for this. I also use a sun calculator app that tells me when the sun in on the face of a particular building, so I can plan the shots and the order in which I shoot them.
“The best part of this film was getting the chance to stay in Cleethorpes for a week to shoot it, enjoying all the great beaches and attractions . It’s not often I get to combine a filming job with a holiday.” The video is on YouTube.
New vans to the rescue! Lincs fire service brings in new vehicles
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue have seven new Technical Rescue Vehicles – vans that carry specialist equipment for incidents like water rescue and animal rescue.
The service relies on a whole host of vehicles and equipment which all play vital roles in operations. The previous rescue units had reached the end of their serviceable life, and have been replaced with bigger and better vehicles that are also more efficient.
Designed with input from firefighters and incident data, the new vehicles can even carry heavy rescue equipment used to shore up buildings to prevent building collapses.
Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, executive councillor for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “When new equipment and vehicles are needed, we’re constantly looking for what best meets the needs of our fire crews and the communities they serve.
“Investing in these TRVs means that a wider selection of equipment can be transported to incidents, and without the need for trailers, making them more efficient. They can also be used more flexibly for a much wider range of incidents, offering greater resilience.
Chief Fire Officer for Lincolnshire, Mark Baxter, said: “These vehicles are more efficient on every level and have been much improved to include lots of new features. They weigh in at 5.5t and allow for a wider collection of tools and equipment. Three of them carry equipment that can be used to provide a shelter with support and welfare functions at incidents, such as generators and IT equipment.
“They can also carry larger inflatable boats for rescue from water and animal rescue. Previously, they needed to be towed behind the TRVs.
“The vehicles have been ergonomically designed to make things easier for our crews with special shelving to help with getting to equipment, enhanced and additional lighting together with 360 cameras, an intelligent charging system, and a platform lift to assist with the handling of heavy equipment too.”
The new TRVs will be stationed strategically around the county to provide maximum coverage and optimum response. They attend specialised activities such as RTCs involving heavy vehicles, incidents involving large animals or water related incidents where there is a danger to life and also enhance and support general operations.
Teddies to bring comfort to LNAA’s youngest patients
Thanks to the generosity and kindness of the Lincolnshire Freemasons, the Patient Liaison Team at Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance are now the proud owners of 18 Teddy bears!
LNAA Patient Liaison Manager, Hayley Burton said: “These adorable ‘Teddies for Loving Care’ bears will bring comfort and warmth to paediatric patients during their time with us.
“These cuddly companions will be readily available to provide a source of solace and companionship whenever our young patients may need it most. And, when we need more, they’ll deliver more!
“We extend our thanks to the Lincoln Freemasons Division for their thoughtful donation and ongoing support of our mission to provide exceptional care to our youngest patients. Their generosity will undoubtedly make a significant difference in the lives of our paediatric patients and their families.”
Property owners praise Gainsborough buildings’ restoration
Property owners in Gainsborough are celebrating the restoration of important buildings thanks to the ‘invaluable’ funding that made the work possible.
The restoration work has been supported by West Lindsey District Council’s Townscape Heritage Initiative Scheme to preserve the architectural heritage of the town, including listed Georgian buildings, and to revitalise the community. The THI funding is backed by National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Levelling Up Fund.
One of the premises benefitting from funding is 37 Lord Street, familiar to most now as Café Latte. The Grade II listed building dates back to the early 19th century and is owned by Justin Leckie. Justin has been working with architect Eleanor McEvedy, who has previously worked on 27-29 Lord Street under the THI scheme.
Justin said: “The support received from West Lindsey District Council has allowed Café Latte, to return to its former glory and bring the building back to its best. The generous THI grant has allowed us to replace the outdated shop front with one which is much more in keeping with the listed Georgian property. In addition, work has taken place on the upper floor windows, the cast iron and lead water gutters as well as on repairing the brickwork on the gable end.
“Without the support of the Council I would not have been able to protect the heritage of the building or play a role in helping to stimulate the regeneration of the street as a whole.”
The schedule of works is expected to last eight weeks, with the final element – the fitting of a traditional canvas awning – due later this month.
The funding offers substantial grant aid towards the costs of renovating buildings, in a bid to bring empty properties back into use and maximising the potential for them to be used today.
3 Lord Street (now the Clock House) is also benefitting from the scheme. The building had been a school room in 1845, with the joiner Tom Lambert having a shop there at a similar time.
Owner Sunil Bejugam who also owns properties along 1-5 Lord Street said the THI funding had proved ‘invaluable’. “As a property investor in Gainsborough, my journey with 1, 3, 5 Lord Street has been a transformative one, made possible through the invaluable support of the Townscape Heritage Grant offered by West Lindsey District Council.
“The grant served as a beacon of hope, enabling me to envision and execute a comprehensive external renovation plan for the properties. The project included fundamental upgrades such as replacing outdated windows with elegant sash windows, refreshing the roof tiles, restoring two iconic chimneys, updating entrance doors, and enhancing business signage.”
Planning permission granted for Louth residential development
Planning permission has been granted to developer Charterpoint and housebuilder Snape Properties for a 90-home residential development in Louth.
It marks the sixth and final phase of the popular Westfield Park scheme masterminded by Charterpoint.
The developer has now sold the 12-acre site off Daisy Way to Snape Properties – paving the way for work to get under way on the final 90 homes.
Once these have been delivered, the 47-acre site will be complete – featuring a total of 330 homes, plus Meadows Park Care Home.
Adrian Goose, CEO of Charterpoint, said: “Westfield Park has developed into a flourishing community and this additional piece of land will facilitate the natural extension of it. It is the sixth and final phase of a residential scheme that we are very proud to have masterminded.
“The site off Daisy Way will provide 90 much-needed homes for the Louth area, and we are delighted that East Lindsey District Council has granted full planning permission for the scheme, which allows building work to start.”
The 90 properties include a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes, plus a children’s play area, surface water attenuation ponds, wildflower meadows, sustainable drainage and an amenity lawn for communal informal recreation.
The site, which is bounded by the A16 Louth bypass to the north west and by Westfield Park to the south and east, will include green infrastructure to provide an attractive quality environment for residents and visitors with consideration given to access for pedestrians and cyclists, enhancement of wildlife biodiversity, sustainable drainage solutions and promotion of use of outdoor spaces for improved mental and physical health and well-being.
Open water, swales and ditches are also included as part of the sustainable drainage strategy to contribute to local biodiversity.
Council takes steps to make walking at night safer in Scunthorpe
North Lincolnshire Council has teamed up with WalkSafe to help people feel even more safe and secure whilst walking in the town centre at night.
The WalkSafe North Lincolnshire app is free to download and allows users to select safer walking routes and be monitored by family and friends.
It also includes a map of Scunthorpe town centre showing all the locations where help is available. These include the new SOS stations which have CCTV and connect directly to the emergency services, Ask Angela venues where staff are trained to offer help and premises that have signed up to the council’s Safer Nights charter.
the arrival of WalkSafe comes after the launch of the Safer Nights NL charter, which brings together owners and workers in the night-time economy with a host of initiatives and projects to enable people to feel safer when using local pubs, clubs, eateries and taxis.
WalkSafe North Lincolnshire was launched at the Baths Hall by app founder Emma Kay with more than 40 representatives from the local night-time economy and the North Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership, which has funded and is backing the scheme.
Cllr John Davison said: “This is part of our commitment to keeping people safe when out in the town and increasing confidence for everyone enjoying our busy night-time economy.
“We understand that people, especially women, may feel vulnerable when out at night and this amazing app gives them peace of mind.
“It is also shows just how many businesses and organisations are on board with our Safer Nights charter, which is dedicated to keeping people safe and well while they enjoy themselves.”
Chief Superintendent Paul French of Humberside Police said: “Humberside Police are absolutely committed to working with our communities and our partners to ensure everyone can have a safe and enjoyable experience when out and around North Lincolnshire.”
The Safer Night NL campaign will soon be extended to rural locations across the area, starting with Brigg, where a Pubwatch scheme is being set up.
North Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership includes North Lincolnshire Council, Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue, Ongo, the National Probation Service, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB (Integrated Care Board) and the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Jon Evison.
Festival of the Sea sails into Grimsby for another year
The Festival of the Sea sails back into Grimsby on June 22nd to reacquaint the town with its seafaring traditions – and thousands are expected to take part.
Festival of the Sea is a celebration of Grimsby’s relationship with the sea through heritage and culture, whilst also looking to the future. The festival aims to engage, entertain, and inspire residents and visitors, and bring together the community for a day of fun, entertainment, and interactive learning.
North East Lincolnshire Councillor Hayden Dawkins, said: “This Festival will once again provide a true showcase for Grimsby and North East Lincolnshire. It will be packed with family entertainment, and is a perfect way to show how our past, great heritage can be brought into the modern day using the creativity and talent that now exists.”
There has been an overwhelming response to the 2024 event, which has led to an exciting programme of activities, performances, guided walks, installations, and projects.
Swans Events has worked alongside a steering group of local people who are passionate about Grimsby’s history and community spirit to help with programming for the festival for the second year.
Organiser Neoemi Antonelli said:“Festival of the Sea is a celebration of all that makes Grimsby unique. We’re thrilled to have a programme co-curated by local people who know and love this town.”
YMCA chooses Stirlin as contractor for housing project in Lincoln
Stirlin has been appointed as the main contractor for the development of housing at Sheridan Close, St Giles, Lincoln for YMCA Lincolnshire.
This project will include 16 independent apartments, providing essential move-on accommodation and support or assisted living for young people. This is a much-needed facility and contributes significantly to YMCA Lincolnshire’s mission of supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged people across the region.
This project expands the housing provision already provided by the charity. CEO Caroline Killeavy said “This is much needed, high-quality accommodation for local young people. Sixteen self-contained modern apartments will provide a much-needed safe space for those who have experienced hardship in their lives.”
Stirlin MD Tony Lawton said: “Social values are embedded at the heart of what we do at Stirlin and so we are unbelievably proud to be part of this project as it will make such a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities.”
YMCA Lincolnshire has been a cornerstone of community support for over 150 years, managing over 170 units of accommodation throughout Lincoln. Their dedication to providing crucial services to those in need aligns seamlessly with Stirlin’s commitment to delivering exceptional projects that positively impact communities.
£4.19m Grantham town centre transformation to begin
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reinvigorate Grantham town centre with £4.19 million from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund is about to get under way.
The money, secured through a bid by South Kesteven District Council, will transform the Market Place and the Conduit, where refurbished public toilets will be reopened. A second phase will improve the town approach from the railway station to create a pedestrian-led environment.
The Future High Streets Fund is for designated work and can only be used on this project.
The plans were drawn up with input from Grantham residents, alongside businesses and strategic stakeholders, who were asked to list priorities for the town.
Key partners include SKDC councillors and officers, the University of Lincoln, Greater Lincolnshire LEP, the National Trust, St Wulfram’s Church, Grantham College, Grantham Business Club, Grantham Museum, the Woodland Trust and local landowners.
The project will raise the road height of the Market Place to create a single level open space, able to host a regular programme of town centre events. At other times it will be a central open space in a pedestrian-led area with fewer cars.
Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Economic Development, Cllr Ashley Baxter said: “This exciting project is intended to make the town centre an even better place for people to live in, work and visit. We are creating a formal ‘heart’ of Grantham; a traffic-calmed public open space to provide a focus for events and a town centre oasis for visitors to enjoy.”
The work will re-establish a gathering point for residents and visitors, providing an attractive and vibrant place where more people spend more time enjoying the town centre. The SKDC vision will bring a busy Market Place that appeals to the people of Grantham and further afield, fuelled by a new a sense of civic pride.
The Market Place improvements will link through to a rebuilt pedestrian route from the Grantham Railway Station, with clear walkways across the five-road junction to Westgate as a more effective connection to the town centre.
Recent support work has taken place in the cultural quarter of the Arts Centre, Guildhall and cinema near St Peter’s Hill, with the blue-green corridor of the River Witham nearby. The heritage quarter around St Wulfram’s Church links to the historic environment through Westgate with its 18th and 19th Century buildings.
This follows an earlier announcement that several roads in the area are due to be reconstructed before the end of the year, with a promise that disruption will be kept to a minimum through efficient project planning and using the least disruptive traffic management measures.
The current timetable is as follows:
- Market Place Construction – Start Date: 15th April 2024; End Date: August 2024
- Station Approach Construction – Start Date: 1st November 2024; End Date: March 2025
