All of Grantham’s South Kesteven District Council (SKDC)-managed parks have once again been awarded the acclaimed Green Flag.
Wyndham, Queen Elizabeth and Dysart parks have all received the prestigious accolade from Keep Britain Tidy.
Nestled in the heart of the historic market town, Wyndham Park has been awarded Green Flag status for the 14th consecutive year.
It was established in 1924 as the towns’ War Memorial before being renamed in honour of Lieutenant Hon. William Reginald Wyndham, 1st Life Guards, who was killed in action in 1914.
The park has undergone vast transformation in the years since and now holds family-friendly play areas, an urban gym, sensory garden, outdoor water splash-pad, bowling green, tennis courts and the Wyndham Park Visitor Centre. Heroes Community Orchard covers over three acres and was established to mark the 75th anniversary of South Kesteven’s role in D-Day and Arnhem.
Keep Britain Tidy also awarded Wyndham Park Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, for the management and promotion of its historic features.
Just a short walk from Wyndham is Queen Elizabeth Park, bordered by the River Witham. It has been a Green Flag park for five years. It is a haven for wildlife and features areas of woodland, wildflower meadows and a wetland.
Dysart Park, which has earned a Green Flag for the third consecutive year, has wildflower areas that surround a natural spring. It has large areas of open space, children’s play area and an historic bandstand.
SKDC deputy leader cllr Paul Stokes, cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: “Here at SKDC we couldn’t be prouder of our parks and the work that our staff and volunteers put into keeping them looking beautiful.
“We are truly proud of their achievements and thank them for their hard work.”
Green Flag Award scheme manager, Paul Todd said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in Wyndham, Queen Elizabeth and Dysart parks who have worked tirelessly to ensure that they achieve the high standards required for the Green Flag Award.
“Quality parks and green spaces like these make the country a heathier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest.”
New partnership brings specialist baby loss support to bereaved parents in Lincolnshire
Bereaved parents will benefit from specialist counselling thanks to a hospital charity-funded partnership between United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (ULTH) and Petals, the baby loss counselling charity.
This vital specialist support that is so often needed by parents following pregnancy and baby loss is not routinely available through the NHS. The emotional impact of this type of loss can be devastating, leaving many parents struggling with day-to-day life, unable to return to work, and feeling isolated in their grief.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity Manager, Ben Petts, said: “It is a privilege to stand alongside our Specialist Bereavement Midwifery Team and provide £100,000 to secure this vital baby loss counselling service for the next two years. This partnership will ensure compassionate, specialist care is offered to those who need it most, when they need it most.”
Petals provide specialist counselling to help parents navigate the trauma of baby loss. In the past year alone, the charity has delivered more than 6,759 counselling sessions across the country.
Karen Burgess, Petals CEO, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with ULTH to offer this vital support. Lincolnshire is one of the largest counties in England, and this new contract is a major step forward in reaching more families who need help after baby loss.”
From July 2025, when a family cared for by ULTH experiences a pregnancy loss or the loss of a baby, they will be given the option of counselling. The Maternity Bereavement team will then ensure the most appropriate psychological support is offered. Alternatively, families can self-refer for counselling via the Petals website.
Rachel Bond, Specialist Bereavement Midwife at ULTH, said: “We are immensely proud to have secured funding from United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity to provide a much-needed service to support the bereaved families that we care for.
“Echoing the words of Petals, we believe all families should have access to specialist bereavement counselling following the loss of a baby. We recognise the devastation that the loss of a baby has on families, regardless of gestation and hope that the provision of this service will make a positive difference to our families in their time of need.”
You can find out more about the partnership at: ULTH NHS Trust – Petals Charity.
Image shows Rachel Bond, Specialist Bereavement Midwife at ULTH
Grantham’s historic clock tower set for final stage of restoration
The final phase of restoration work on Grantham’s iconic Victorian clock tower is set to begin this Sunday, following delays caused by unexpected structural issues.
Perched above the town’s Guildhall arts centre, the bell turret has been under repair since October after heavy rain exposed damage to the ballroom ceiling. Initial fixes focused on the roof and timber frame, but further inspection revealed deeper problems with the bell tower itself.
South Kesteven District Council has confirmed that the entire turret will now be carefully lifted by crane and transported off-site for specialist restoration in a workshop. The four supporting columns will also be removed, with any exposed gaps sealed during the process.
As part of the final steps, the windows will be redecorated and the scaffolding taken down by August. The bell tower is expected to return to its home atop the Grade II listed building by spring next year.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Seadog81Roxby community centre gets a fresh lift with roof and energy upgrades
Roxby Community Centre is set to undergo a small but meaningful transformation, with improvements that promise to make the much-loved local spot warmer, brighter, and more energy-efficient.
North Lincolnshire Council has approved a £10,944 grant to help fund a new roof and upgraded blinds for the building. The total project, valued at just over £12,000, includes a contribution from the centre itself.
These changes aren’t just cosmetic—they’re designed to improve comfort, reduce heating costs, and make the centre more sustainable long term. It’s a practical boost for a space that hosts everything from social gatherings to local events.
The Roxby upgrade is part of a broader wave of investment in community-led initiatives across North Lincolnshire. Through its Community Grant Fund, the council has supported a wide range of organisations and groups with millions of pounds in funding since 2011.
It’s a reminder that even small improvements can make a big difference in the everyday lives of residents, keeping neighbourhood hubs like Roxby’s active, inviting, and ready for the future.
Image credit: North Lincolnshire CouncilDrones risk disturbing protected birds on Lincolnshire coast
As summer draws crowds to the North East Lincolnshire coastline, drone users are being reminded to fly responsibly to avoid disturbing vulnerable bird populations.
The stretch of coast beyond Cleethorpes Leisure Centre is a protected zone, forming part of multiple conservation designations including a Special Protection Area and the Humber Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest. These areas support thousands of migratory and breeding birds throughout the year.
Between May and September, drones pose a serious risk to nesting birds. Unintentional disturbance can cause them to abandon eggs or young, while disruption to feeding and roosting in autumn and winter months can impact the survival of birds migrating from the Arctic to Africa.
Up to 150,000 water birds gather in the area each year, and continued disturbance—particularly during harsh weather—can lead to exhaustion or death.
Local authorities are urging drone operators to follow Civil Aviation Authority guidance and be aware of no-fly zones to protect wildlife and avoid fines. The council has published additional resources to help recreational users fly safely and legally, especially near sensitive natural habitats.
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire CouncilFreshney Place car park set for £6m safety overhaul
North East Lincolnshire Council is preparing to spend just over £6 million to fix structural issues linked to RAAC at Grimsby’s Freshney Place car park.
The material, Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete, was flagged during the council’s £16.5 million acquisition of the shopping centre in 2022. Known for being lightweight but fragile, RAAC has caused disruption across the UK, including temporary closures at hundreds of schools.
Freshney Place’s two car parks, offering a combined 849 spaces, were already in need of major repairs at the time of purchase. Since then, RAAC has also been found in other areas of the centre.
The council is weighing up two options: replacing the faulty concrete entirely or reinforcing it with steel supports. Full replacement is the likely route, with work expected to begin after a formal tender is issued in winter 2025/26. The project could take up to two years.
The cost has been factored into Freshney Place’s long-term planning, and the council says efforts will be made to keep disruption to a minimum for staff, with temporary facilities provided if needed.
Image credit: Google mapsAn unmissable night of music, charm, and celebration at Kelham Hall
The Renaissance at Kelham Hall has announced the return of Night at the Proms, as the Newark and Sherwood Concert Band take to the stage on Sunday 20 July 2025.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Kelham Hall and its 42 acres of manicured gardens and historic parkland, this enchanting summer evening promises an unforgettable celebration of classical and well-loved music.
The acclaimed 40-piece band will take to the stage for a vibrant open-air performance filled with powerful melodies, uplifting moments, and something for everyone to enjoy. A perfect evening to soak up the summer in style!
Why not elevate your evening with a Proms Picnic Box for Two? Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea as you relax and take in the fabulous music. Additional food and drink will be available to purchase on the night, including Prosecco, Pimm’s, and a variety of sweet and savoury snacks such as strawberries and cream.
Gather your friends and family, bring along a picnic blanket and create lasting memories in the beautiful grounds of the 19th-century stately home.
For more information, or to book your tickets, please visit the Renaissance at Kelham Hall website – www.renaissance-kelham.com/kelham-hall-night-at-the-proms-2025
New local programmes bring movement and connection to West Lindsey
Three new wellbeing initiatives have been launched in West Lindsey, aimed at supporting people managing mental health challenges and neurodiverse conditions.
Backed by more than £16,000 in combined funding from Shine Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire County Council’s Adult Mental Health Services, and Sport England, the programmes offer a mix of movement, mindfulness, and community connection.
The first to launch is the Mindset Café, a weekly peer support group that opened its doors on 13 July. It’s designed for people experiencing stress, anxiety, low mood, ADHD, or autism. Attendees are encouraged to build confidence and may later take on volunteer roles as ‘mindset champions’ within their community.
Next up is the Mindset Gym for Men, kicking off in late August. Funded by Sport England, it combines physical activity with relaxed conversation, encouraging men to talk openly about mental health while getting active in a supportive space.
Also launching at the end of August is the Neuro Gym (Strong & Steady), designed for people living with Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, early-onset dementia, or stroke recovery. The sessions offer adaptive exercises like boccia, curling, chair yoga, and seated workouts, with carers welcome to take part.
All sessions will be held at the West Lindsey Leisure Centre in Gainsborough.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/kieferpixNew SEND hubs to offer more inclusive support in Lincolnshire schools
A major investment in inclusive education is underway across Lincolnshire, with £7 million earmarked to create 13 new hubs designed to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Five local authority-maintained primary schools will introduce dedicated SEND hubs, joining six primary academies and two secondary academies already approved by the Department for Education.
These hubs will offer smaller class sizes and dedicated support led by specially trained staff, aiming to provide pupils with the tailored help they need while remaining in mainstream schools. In total, the initiative will create 210 additional places for children with SEND, helping address a growing demand for inclusive, community-based learning.
Construction and setup for the new facilities are scheduled to begin in autumn 2025, with all hubs expected to be fully operational by autumn 2026.
The chosen schools include a mix of Church of England, Methodist, and community schools, reflecting a broad effort to improve access to high-quality education regardless of school type or location.
This move is part of a wider shift in education policy that sees inclusive support not as a specialist add-on but as a core offering within everyday school environments.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/highwaystarzFrench flea market comes to Grantham
A French-style flea market will take place in Grantham on Saturday 19th July, for the first time in ‘beaucoup’ years.
The market, Brocante in French, will feature stalls selling the nation’s wares as well as artisan creations, including artwork, ceramics and jewellery.
There will be a café stand selling French cuisine and coffee and French music and entertainment in the Market Place.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Delphotostock
The regular Saturday Market starts at 8am with the French aspect in full flow from 10am.
The Brocante is the latest confirmed event to take place in Grantham Market Place following its revamp, which brought a reimagining of the type of events that could take place there.
Cllr Paul Stokes, South Kesteven District Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: “Visit our Brocante and experience something of French culture in the heart of Grantham.
“Hosting attractions like this helps the local economy and supports our ambition for the district, driving growth and making South Kesteven a better place in which to live as well as attracting visitors.
“This market and its associated events will add colour and entertainment – and also makes life entertaining for all the nationalities who call South Kesteven their home.”
