The Lincolnshire Food & Gift Fair is a festive weekend packed full of fun for all of the family – Tickets now on sale!

Christmas is just around the corner and Lincolnshire is in for a big festive treat!

It’s October, and that means it’s time to start thinking about the festive Season! Get into the holiday spirit early this year at the annual Lincolnshire Food & Gift event held at the Lincolnshire Showground on Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December! Tickets are now on sale!  This year’s event will feature over 150 exhibitors, including food and drink retailers, local growers and producers. The event is the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts for your loved ones and stock up on delicious festive treats. Date: Saturday 30th November & Sunday 1st December Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Location: Lincolnshire Showground  

What to Expect

A Fantastic Selection of Exhibitors: From handmade crafts to gourmet foods, there’s something for everyone. Santa’s Workshop: A free haven of activities for young children where they can enjoy arts, crafts, and baking activities. The Lincolnshire Kitchen: Watch cooking demonstrations and pick up festive recipe tips from top local culinary stars. Festive Entertainment: Enjoy festive entertainment with carol singing by local choirs — a great day out for the whole family! Meet Santa: Returning for its second year, meet the big man himself! More information to be announced in the coming weeks.  

Don’t Miss Out!

With so much on offer and free entertainment for everyone, this event promises to be a highlight of the festive season. Make sure you get your tickets early to avoid missing out on this fantastic event! We can’t wait to see you there and help you kick off the holiday season in style! Anyone planning to attend this year’s Food & Gift is being encouraged to buy their tickets in advance via lincolnshireshowground.co.uk/food-gift Advance tickets ae available until 29th November 2024 and cost £6.50, Children aged 3-12 years cost £4.00, with tickets on the day at £7.00. Children under two and parking are all free. All tickets are subject to booking fees. For more information, please visit lincolnshireshowground.co.uk/food-gift

Jaylaurs Sewing Studios to celebrate 40th anniversary with event featuring celebrity sewing guests

Jaylaurs Sewing Studios is inviting all customers, old and new, to celebrate its 40th anniversary of trading in Brigg on Saturday 23rd November. Whether you like to sew and craft or prefer to let Jaylaurs Sewing Studios do the sewing for you, be the first to view their wonderful new spaces. A special event will welcome celebrity sewing guests, offer goody bags or alteration discount vouchers to the first 30 customers, and offer 15% off metered fabric and 15% off alterations (23rd November only). A spokesperson for Jaylaurs Sewing Studios said: “Through challenges and successes, and the amazing support of the local community, Jaylaurs Sewing Studios would like to thank you all for your loyalty and consistent support over the last 40 years. Our customers have enabled us to grow and become the business we are today. From a humble, cold, wet and windy market stall in 1984 to our amazing new super spacious retail premises in 2024.” Amongst the guests at the anniversary event will be Rebecca Grimbleby, who will be sharing her experiences as a finalist on the 2021 series of Great British Sewing Bee. Rebecca will be happy to answer questions and some of her wonderful creations will be on display. Karen of Stitches by Karen Taylor will also be in attendance, with some of her garments on display. Jaylaurs Sewing Studios stocks fabulous patterns from Karen, who trained as a pattern cutter at ESMOD International in Sao Paulo, Brazil. In 2014 she moved to the UK, to Lincoln, and in 2015 started working towards creating Stitches by Karen Taylor. Karen has developed her own line of sewing patterns with the aim of providing well-fitting garments for all shapes and sizes. Lucy Picksley, aka Sew Pretty Sew Mindful, is also a guest at the event. Jaylaurs Sewing Studios stocks Lucy’s amazing bag patterns and fabric collections. Specialising in bag making, Lucy is happy to chat and answer questions. The sewing pattern designer based in Gainsborough has made appearances on Sewing Street TV, runs The Creative Wellness Hub, and is a blogger for Craft Cotton Company.  

Revamp work starts on Embassy Theatre at Skegness

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

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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

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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/