Loan scheme offers chance to get ‘hands on’ with history

Stuart Pearcey
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Loan scheme offers chance to get ‘hands on’ with history

Lincoln Museum is ‘unboxing history’ with a selection of loan kits available to take away and enjoy at home or school.

Loan kits covering different aspects of the county’s history are helping residents of all ages get ‘hands on’ with their heritage. In a Roman loan kit from Lincoln Museum there are Roman coins, pots, mosaics, and brooches. Said Learning Officer Linda Verney: “Peculiarly, you might even find dice and, reading through the booklet, you’ll discover how the Romans used dice for a variety of games. It’s even thought they would swallow them to avoid being caught gambling. “In another case you’ll find everything you need to reenact your own Tudor banquet – complete with mock boar’s head centrepiece.” The loan kits have been created by the council’s Investigate Learning team to complement the work the team does with school groups and provide a valuable resource for schools to use in the classroom. Linda added: “We’ve had care homes hire our 1950s kits, packed with objects their residents would remember from their youth, to help them reminisce. They’re particularly useful for dementia patients who can touch all the different objects and even smell some – like 50s soaps – to help them reconnect. “A couple of years ago we even had someone hire a loan kit to add a wow factor to their family Christmas quiz!” Loan kits cover a variety of topics, from fossils, the Ancient Greeks and Ancient Egyptians, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, the medieval period, the Tudors, As well as history, there are also loan kits that connect you with art, featuring replicas of pieces held in the Usher Gallery’s art collection, to help inspire your own art or form part of a temporary exhibition. The kits contain a mixture of real artefacts and replicas that you can handle, and comes with an in-depth information booklet about the objects or artworks.  

Artists invited to ‘horse around’ for new sculpture trail

Tess Egginton
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Artists invited to ‘horse around’ for new sculpture trail
Artists are being invited to showcase their creative talent and design the horses that will form an interactive sculpture trail across North Lincolnshire this summer. The ‘Horsing Around’ trail is one of a host of activities taking place locally to celebrate the 300th birthday of world-renowned horse painter, George Stubbs, and his little-known connection to North Lincolnshire. The project, which is funded with government cash to level up the area, will see ten life size horses displayed in prominent locations, and a further ten miniature horses appear in the 300-acre grounds of Normanby Hall Country Park. The trail will build on the successful ‘Of Earth and Sky’, which inspired more people to visit North Lincolnshire to see local writers’ poems writ large in a series of huge installations, winning a prestigious Hearts for the Arts Award in the process. Now, applications are open for artists to design their horse and see their work enjoyed by thousands of people. As part of the process, artists will work with local schools and community groups to inform the designs, including the North Lincolnshire Museum’s group for adults with additional needs, Museum Makers. The trail will celebrate local people’s talent as well as the diversity of visual arts, and consequently, all forms of art are welcome, from traditional to new media, fine art to illustrations, and mosaic to street art. Whichever form the artworks take, they will form the interactive trail, developed with the help of leading public art specialists, Wild in Art, who have worked on top projects at the London 2012 Olympics, the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and more. After the trail has finished sculptures will be offered to the schools and community groups who informed the designs. If they wish, sculptures will be auctioned to raise money for the Mayor of North Lincolnshire’s chosen charities, Hope House and Macmillan Cancer Support. One of the country’s most revered equestrian painters, George Stubbs completed much of the work for his groundbreaking book ‘The Anatomy of the Horse’, while living in Horkstow. This local connection is explored in a new exhibition at Normanby Hall Country Park this year. ‘Stubbs in the Stables’ shows images of Stubbs’ work, alongside a life-sized horse model painted to show the bones and muscles. Artists can view the ‘Horsing Around’ artists pack online, design their horse and fill out a submissions form for free on the North Lincolnshire Museum website. Submissions close on 22 April 2024.   Image: Stock.adobe.com/PLATİNUM

Two local NHS organisations come together as a group

Tess Egginton
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Two local NHS organisations come together as a group
Two NHS provider organisations have this week formally come together in a group arrangement, with the goal of improving the care provided to patients across Lincolnshire. Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) and United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT) have come together in the group arrangement. This will not constitute a formal merger of the two organisations, but will bring the Trusts together under a single board and executive leadership team, with the goal of improving the care that is provided to patients both in the community and in hospitals across Lincolnshire. Both Trusts will retain their separate statutory names and legal obligations. Following an extensive staff and stakeholder engagement exercise, it has been decided that the group will be known as Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group (LCHG). Elaine Baylis has taken up the post of group chair this week, and Professor Karen Dunderdale has been appointed as group Chief Executive and is due to take up the role on Monday 1 July, taking over from Andrew Morgan, the current group Chief Executive who is retiring at the end of June. Karen is currently the group deputy Chief Executive and executive chief nurse. Group chair, Elaine Baylis said: “This arrangement has been put in place to improve how care is delivered to patients by working even closer together. It is a really exciting development which we believe will make a huge difference to our staff and patients. “In the last few months as we have prepared for this change, extensive work has already taken place to start bringing our services and teams closer together, to improve the experience of patients and the efficiency of our services. “This has notably included joint working on improving the care for patients on our urgent and emergency care pathways, work together to improve how we care for frail older people and the use of virtual wards.”   Image: Stock.adobe.com/smolaw11

Boston May Fair to offer sensory-friendly experience to families

Tess Egginton
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Boston May Fair to offer sensory-friendly experience to families
The Boston May Fair, a long-standing tradition in the town, will be offering a sensory-friendly experience for families with children with additional needs. Hosted by Boston Borough Council and the Showman’s Guild, this initiative aims to provide an inclusive environment where all families can enjoy the festivities without the challenges of sensory overload. Scheduled for Sunday, May 5th, from 11am to 1pm, the May Fair on Bargate Green Car Park and Wide Bargate will welcome visitors to an environment without sound. This thoughtful adjustment seeks to accommodate individuals who may find traditional fair environments overwhelming due to sensory sensitivities. Families with children who have autism, sensory processing disorders, or other conditions that make them sensitive to noise will now have the opportunity to participate fully in the excitement of the May Fair. By eliminating sound during the specified hours, organisers hope to create a more accessible and enjoyable experience for all attendees.   Image: Stock.adobe.com/dimazel

New partnership to help Lincolnshire kidney patients

Tess Egginton
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New partnership to help Lincolnshire kidney patients

Thousands of people in Lincolnshire living with chronic kidney disease will be offered fuel poverty support and other targeted help through a new partnership launched between National Grid Electricity Distribution and Kidney Care UK.

The kidney patient support charity will help kidney patients and those with kidney failure not only understand what support it can offer but also help them sign-up to the electricity distribution company’s Priority Services Register (PSR).

Patients at drop-in clinics at renal units and kidney clinics in East Lindsey will be given information packs and told about how the PSR can provide assistance during power cuts, fuel poverty support and energy efficiency advice. The PSR is free to join for a range of people with additional needs, including those with chronic medical conditions, pensioners and those who rely on electricity to run medical equipment.

Kidney Care UK’s patient support services include free renal counselling, patient advocacy support in the community through 19 Advocacy Officers throughout the UK, hardship grants, holiday grants, hospital grants, and white goods grants. The charity also provides benefit application support as well as income maximisation and money and energy advice.

As well as boosting referrals of patients, Kidney Care UK will provide bespoke training for National Grid field and contact centre teams who support customers during power cuts – ensuring they can best understand and support the needs of kidney patients.

Nicki Johnson, of National Grid Electricity Distribution, said: “We are delighted to be joining forces with Kidney Care UK. This partnership will enable us to reach patients with kidney disease in Lincolnshire so they can benefit from our Priority Services Register and the additional free support this provides for people with extra needs.”

Laurie Cuthbert, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at Kidney Care UK, said: “This is an exciting relationship to transform the support that our kidney community will receive in Lincolnshire. We are pleased to be working in partnership to help support more than 17,000 people living with chronic kidney disease in the region to enable them to receive support appropriate to their condition.

“The partnership will allow Kidney Care UK and National Grid to raise greater awareness of chronic kidney disease more generally and will be supported by bespoke training for field and contact centre teams who support customers during power cuts, ensuring they can best understand and support the needs of kidney patients.”

Guinness World Record attempt to be made at Boston Marathon

Tess Egginton
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Guinness World Record attempt to be made at Boston Marathon
With just over three weeks to go to the Boston Marathon on the 28th April the excitement is rising. Runners are enthusiastically chatting on social media about the themed medal and TShirt design of “Bomber County” featuring a Lancaster Bomber. Some are running to commemorate relatives in the RAF who were posted to one of the 49 airfields across Lincolnshire during World War II. At the time of writing this article entry numbers are 913 – full marathon, 457 – half marathon, 165 – 10K, and 38 – fun run, and at least a dozen entries are still being processed daily. Registration closes on the 15th April to ensure the runners receive their electronic bibs in the post. Those who register after this date can collect them on race morning. The organisers are anticipating upwards of 1,800 entries. Spectators can choose between two starting points in the town or line Wide Bargate to see all runners just after setting off. The full marathon starts in the Market Place at 08:00, the 10K will then start from the Park Gates at 08:15, the half marathon follows from the Market Place at 08:30 and the fun run, at the Park Gates, at 08:45. Anyone wishing to see the first runners arriving at the Boston College finish line will need to do a quick sprint to the college by 08:45 as the fastest of the 10K will be expected in around this time. To add to the excitement this year Collin Harrison from Dunston in Lincolnshire is attempting to reclaim his Guinness World Record for ‘Fastest Half Marathon carrying 100lb pack’. Collin is a former Royal Marine Commando and currently part of the Royal Marine Veterans Speed March Team, who will be completing a marathon distance Speed March in July 2024 in London to raise awareness of mental health issues among both serving and former military personnel. It was back in September 2021 when Collin initially broke this Guinness World Record with a time of 2hrs 11min. However, on 21st May 2023, it was broken with a time of 2hrs 10mins 30sec. As a result he is now aiming to complete the Boston Half Marathon course within 2hrs 8mins. Accompanying him will be members of the RM Speed March team, who will run the course and act as witnesses for the Guinness ratification. With the half marathon starting at 08:30 in the Market Place, and if all goes well, spectators can expect to cheer Collin across the finish line at Boston College at 10:38.

Gainsborough Bus Station given new lease of life

Tess Egginton
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Gainsborough Bus Station given new lease of life
Gainsborough Bus Station has recently been refurbished to provide an enhanced gateway to the town centre. New shelters, street furniture and CCTV have been installed to improve the experience for passengers, alongside an updated layout to create uniformity across the station and re-surfacing where required. Leader of West Lindsey District Council and Gainsborough ward member, Cllr Trevor Young, said: “The improvement works to Gainsborough Bus station mean it is now a more user-friendly environment with increased shelter provision for users. We hope you enjoy the new modern look as we know how important our bus station is to many of our residents.” The previous bus shelters have been re-purposed to local Parish Councils throughout the West Lindsey district. Matt Cranwell, Managing Director for Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “We’re pleased to witness the transformation of Gainsborough Bus Station by West Lindsey District Council. The recent enhancements include more modern fixtures and bus shelters, as well as a thorough deep clean, to create a more positive customer experience. “Thank you to our passengers for their patience during the two-week renovation period, during which a temporary bus station was in operation. We hope you will enjoy the improvements made to the bus station, and benefit from the enhanced travel experience provided.” Director of Planning Regeneration and Communities at West Lindsey District Council, Sally Grindrod-Smith, said: “Delivering a set of upgrades to the bus station is one part of the £18million investment into Gainsborough town centre. Together with improvements to signage across the town and increased CCTV, we continue the transformation to make Gainsborough a safe, friendly, and welcoming place to spend time.”   Image courtesy of West Lindsey District Council

Hotel owner makes further investment in historic Uphill Lincoln

Tess Egginton
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Hotel owner makes further investment in historic Uphill Lincoln
Following the refurbishment and reopening of the White Hart Hotel, owner Andrew Long is continuing to invest in Uphill Lincoln. To add to the hotel’s portfolio, a pair of Grade II Star Listed Georgian Town Houses at 6 & 7 Castle Hill have been purchased by the Travel Sector Property Group. These properties are just a few steps away from the hotel. Andrew says: “No. 7, Castle Hill, known locally as Castle Square, will offer accommodation for up to eight guests (four adults and four children) to enjoy a luxury stay in a unique and enviable location. With exceptional views over Castle Square and down Steep Hill, it’s truly a local gem and a very special customer experience for leisure or corporate use.” As well as acquiring No. 7, Andrew’s Travel Sector Property Group has also purchased the freehold investment in the adjacent Leigh Pemberton House at 8/9 Castle Hill, which is also a Grade II Star Listed Building. Many will know this iconic property as the home of the City’s Visitor & Tourist Information Centre, which will continue to occupy the ground floor and basement areas of the building for the long-term future. Plans will soon be submitted to create five luxury ensuite bedrooms that will also be operated as part of the adjacent White Hart Hotel. Dating back to 1543, this half-timbered building was originally a wealthy merchant’s house, before becoming an inn. From 1899 it served as the regional headquarters of the National Westminster Bank, then undergoing extensive restoration in the late 1970’s. More recently, the upper floors have been used as offices and Airbnb ‘holiday let’ accommodation, but is now in need of extensive internal refurbishment, as well as various ‘catch up’ external maintenance works. Andrew added: “We will be significantly investing in the sensitive adaptation and refurbishment works for Leigh Pemberton House, ensuring that there will be an ongoing commercially viable use for this unique building, protecting, and enhancing its sustainable long-term future. “I am personally very pleased to incorporate this iconic and historical building within my long-term investment portfolio for Castle Square and the immediately adjacent Bailgate area.” This phase of work will be taking place before the planned refurbishment and reopening of the historic Judge’s Lodgings, also purchased by Travel Sector Property in November 2022. Andrew is hopeful that the Judge’s Lodgings and former White Hart Garages at 2 Bailgate will be fully completed by the end of 2025, with construction work starting this Summer.

Lincolnshire team makes successful assault on Everest Base Camp

Stuart Pearcey
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Lincolnshire team makes successful assault on Everest Base Camp
Two Lincolnshire men have raised more than £5,000 for the Freemasons’ charity the MCF  by trekking to Everest Base Camp, 18,000 feet above sea level.
Jez Hyland from Horncastle and Rob Wright from Boston went to the Himalayas with five friends for the adventure of a lifetime – and with arduous climbs, snow, ice, the constant fear of altitude sickness, and a scary landing at the world’s most dangerous airport, it lived up to that billing.
Rob, left and Jez prepare to cross one of the flimsy footbridges en route
Jez Hyland tells the story… “The journey to the mountain wasn’t without its difficulties. We got stuck in Kathmandu airport for over six hours, but got one of the the last helicopters out that was able to land at Lukla Airport, said to be the most dangerous in the world. It was scary; have a look at YouTube. After that we were ready to start our journey proper.
“The first day’s trekking was fairly straightforward over four hours. However, the second day has been brutal with 3,600 feet of  climbing and a few foot bridges. Not great for someone like me, who doesn’t particularly enjoy heights! But look on the bright side; it was better than walking down and back up again. “Tuesday was our acclimatisation day at Namche Bazaar, which sits at 11,400 feet above sea level. The day consisted of a 1,500-foot climb to the Everest Hotel, and then walk back down to where we’d started. It was a four-hour steep stroll, and would have offered our first view of Everest, if it hadn’t been hidden by cloud…
“Wednesday was a hike to Tenbouche at 12,700 feet. However, we had to descend to a river crossing, which meant 2,880 feet of climbing on the day. It was a tough trek with terrain consisting mainly of steep switchback boulders. On the upside, the weather was perfect and we saw Everest without cover for the first time. The scenery was stunning and our photos probably don’t do justice to what we could see with the naked eye.
“Based on the weather forecast, our guide advised us to do Everest Base Camp on the Saturday and Kalapathar on the Sunday morning for a sunrise view with a 3:30 am start. Boy was he right, but more of that later.
Journey’s end!
“Reaching Base Camp was a nine-hour day from Lobuche via Gorakshep, then returning to Gorakshep ready for the sunrise climb. The Camp day was tough, with so many rock and boulder step overs, but we had brilliant weather again and achieved the goal, getting to Everest Base Camp safely.
“On Sunday we woke up to at least two inches of snow, which would’ve made Base Camp nearly impossible, so massive thanks to our guide for calling it correctly. However, two inches of snow and Minus 11 at 3.30am made the Kalapathar climb, with sunrise at 5:47 am, and no descent or flat on the hike, probably the toughest of all. But for our efforts, we got to see Everest in all its glory. Viewing the tallest place on the planet with your own eyes is an incredible experience.
“Finally, Rob and I want to thank everyone for their support, and a massive thanks to the rest of the team, Kenny, Cameron, Dean, Steve and Andy who accompanied us on our journey and also supported our charity appeal very generously.
“I must also compliment the Nepalese people, who have been absolutely fantastic. They are very happy smiley nation. But on reflection it did make me think how terribly lucky and grateful we should be for being in the fortunate position of being able to achieve these sort of lifetime challenges. At the same time, everybody who supports such challenges should be proud they are able to help those less fortunate than themselves.”
 
 

South Holland District Council housing company makes six figure donation to local charities

Tess Egginton
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South Holland District Council housing company makes six figure donation to local charities
Welland Homes, a housing company wholly owned by South Holland District Council, is donating its £128,274 profit for the year to four local charities, helping to support in-need residents in the District. The company, incorporated in 2015, was established with aims to increase the housing supply in the area to meet an existing demand, set high standards for housing design in the District, and improve the quality of rental accommodation available to residents. Welland Homes currently has 53 open market rental properties in its ownership and is seeking to acquire a further 4 homes this year. After another successful year, the company will be donating its profit margin to four local charities: Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire, the Lincolnshire Community & Voluntary Service, Active Lincolnshire and South Holland in Bloom. Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire will receive £88,074, which will be used in their goals to provide free, independent, confidential, and impartial advice on rights and responsibilities, as well as support on a range of matter such as money advice, welfare support, employment, housing and family and personal matters. £31,000 will be donated to Lincolnshire Community & Voluntary Services, who work in the District to enable individuals and groups to make a real difference in building stronger and sustainable communities through community engagement and promoting and supporting volunteering. Active Lincolnshire, who bring people and organisations together to provide opportunities for everyone in Lincolnshire to be more active, more often, will be receiving £6,000. £3,000 will be donated to South Holland in Bloom who assist and support various villages across the district in connection with the Britain In Bloom competition. The charity provide small financial contributions to each area which looks to support the work to improve the local environment. All charities will receive the funds by the end of March. Directors of the Welland Homes Board welcomed the payment of donations, saying: “We are extremely proud that Welland Homes’ continued growth and development is allowing the company to make donations of this size to a group of charities that go above and beyond to support our local area a great deal. “With yet another successful and profitable year, it pays testament to the incredible hard work put in by everyone involved with the company and shows the financial benefits the company provides to the council. We look forward to the future of this company as it continues to provide the quality homes that our residents deserve.”   Image: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG
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