- arrival space at Sea Road/Alexandra Road junction, creating a welcoming space to the gardens;
- events zone to support a mixture of activities/events that could take place;
- play/recreation zone which would consist of a larger central space and provide a mixture of activities for young and older children alike;
- reflection zone at the Sea View Street end of the gardens supporting the existing armed forces memorials that are situated there.
Designs for key Cleethorpes projects head into the democratic process
The ‘Stage 3’ concept designs for two key projects in Cleethorpes, Market Place and Pier Gardens, are heading into the democratic process, being scrutinised by panel members on 15 July, and then Cabinet after that.
The outline concepts were originally developed in the Cleethorpes Masterplan, which had responses from thousands of people, saying what they wanted to see in the spaces in the future.
Since then, there have been detailed discussions with local businesses, drop-in sessions and online engagement for anyone to give their views, as well as group sessions with creative people, young people and other potential users of the spaces.
Pier Gardens
The new design harks back to the historic use of space, where people went to spend time. The new vision brings people of all ages and abilities together, and creates a more family orientated area, alongside areas for quiet reflection and education, whilst also increasing biodiversity in the resort.
The design proposes a ‘zoning’ system to provide this mix of uses, which will provide a mixture of uses across the park with a consistent theme throughout.
Revesby Country Fair brings daredevil delight to Lincolnshire with brand new attraction
Organisers have announced a new main ring attraction, as well as a new activity for families to enjoy on 4th August
Revesby Country Fair, a popular Lincolnshire family day out, will wow audiences with a brand new attraction at this year’s show.
Dangerous Steve has been announced as a new main ring attraction for 2024, offering a fast-moving performance featuring quad bike and motorbike tricks, as well as breathtaking chainsaw stunts.
Visitors will also be able to marvel at Steve’s one-of-a-kind “roll over” stunt on his motorised monocycle – a unique and daring stunt that no one else in the world has performed on a genuine monocycle.
For those who fancy something a bit slower paced, Nunny’s Farm has been announced as a new activity, offering animal handling and up close encounters with a variety of farm animals.
Visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences with all their favourite animals, from ponies and donkeys to rabbits and guinea pigs – as well as a few other surprise farmyard friends.
John Roe, Chairman of Revesby Country Fair, said: “We’re excited to announce Dangerous Steve as one of our new main ring attractions this year. With his performance and daredevil stunts, including a blindfolded motorbike jump, he’s a real crowd pleaser.
“We’ll also have the much-loved Nunny’s Farm at the show who will be bringing along a variety of furry friends – we’re looking forward to welcoming them for the first time.
“Tickets are available online now and are cheaper if you buy in advance, so we’d encourage everyone to secure their tickets to ensure they don’t miss out. Plus, you’ll also be able to skip the queues on the day, so it pays to plan ahead!”
As well as the brand new attractions, visitors to this year’s show will be able to enjoy traditional favourites including classic cars, vintage tractors, shire horses, show jumping and mounted fancy dress. Atkinson Action Horses will also be performing in the main ring with a show that promises to “thrill, excite and astonish.”
What’s more, the event promises its annual cooking, growing and flower competitions, plus live music, ‘have a go’ hobbies and the iconic ‘Revesby style’ terrier racing.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online in advance, priced at £15 for adults, £5 for children (aged 5-16) and £35 for a family of five (two adults and up to three children).
On-the-day tickets will be priced at £16 for adults, £6 for children (aged 5-16) and £37.50 for a family of five (two adults and up to three children).
To find out more about Revesby Country Fair, or to book tickets, please visit revesbycountryfair.co.uk.
For the latest news and information about Revesby Country Fair, follow @RevesbyCountryFair on Facebook, @RevesbyFair on X, and @revesbycountryfair on Instagram.
Another step forwards for North Hykeham Relief Road
Lincolnshire county council’s Executive has given officers the green light to pursue the necessary legal orders and land acquisitions for the North Hykeham Relief Road project.
The county council’s Executive voted to progress with publishing the legal orders during their meeting on Tuesday 2 July.
Cllr Richard Davies, Executive Member for Highways, said: “This is another huge milestone for the project that brings us one step closer to making the final piece of Lincoln’s ring road a reality.
“The next step is to publish the legal orders and wait while the consultation process is underway. Once the consultation period’s ended, we’ll have a clearer idea of whether a public inquiry will be needed.
“There’s an enormous about of legal paperwork to get through with a road of this size before we can actually start building, but we’re doing all we can to move things along so we can start works late next year.
“In the meantime, the team will also continue working on preparing a full business case for the DfT.”
Construction of the new relief road is expected to start in late 2025 and to be open by late 2028. The cost of the project is currently estimated to be between £180m and £208m.
The North Hykeham Relief Road project will see a new dual carriageway built, linking the A46 Pennells Roundabout to the newly constructed Lincoln Eastern Bypass, creating a complete ring road around the city.
As part of the project, new roundabouts would be built at South Hykeham Road, Brant Road and Grantham Road. A number of bridges would also be constructed, including at Station Road and over the River Witham.
Image courtesy of Lincolnshire County Council Security guard to pull in a truckload of funds to thank hospital teams
A security guard is taking part in a fundraising truck pull to say thank you to the hospital colleagues who saved his dad’s life.
Paul Harrop junior spends his days working as a security supervisor at Lincoln County Hospital and his spare time training and preparing to take part in strong man events and truck pulls.
Paul’s dad, Paul senior, suffered a heart attack a couple of years ago when he was 60 years old and had to have a stent fitted during a lifesaving procedure at the Lincolnshire Heart Centre.
Paul junior said: “The care and treatment dad received was simply amazing at the heart centre, on Johnson Ward and on Cardiac Short Stay. They saved his life and he is still having regular check-ups with the team. They were wonderful and thanks to them I still have my dad. I will never be able to thank them enough.
“I have been doing strong man events and the Highland Games for a number of years and I also do lots of fundraising truck pulls.”
Paul is taking part in the Lincolnshire Truck Pull Championships on Saturday 20 July in North Scarle. He will be raising funds for the hospital teams through the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity.
He added: “I was inspired by my trainer Dave Johnson. He has been doing this for many years and gave me the belief that I could also do it.
“It is very much mind over matter. I enjoy the challenge and seeing how far I can push myself. It is about having the self-belief and thanks to Dave this is now possible.
“I am sure I will be a little bit emotional as my dad will be there watching and supporting me. It means so much to have him there.
“I just want the hospital teams to know how much we appreciate them and the care they provide.”
Anyone who would like to support Paul junior can do so through the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity – Lincolnshire Truck Pull Championship | United Lincolnshire Hospitals (ulhcharity.org.uk).
Dave first started fundraising when his friend Mark Browne was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Dave wanted to raise enough money for Mark to be able to make memories with his family before he sadly passed away. Since then Dave has continued with the events in Mark’s memory.
Dave said: “This is the 13th year we have held an event and it is bigger and better than ever with 20 women and 30 men taking part. The biggest truck we will be pulling is 45 tonnes – that is the same as the average weight of six-and-a-half adult African elephants.
“I am really proud that these events enable friends like Paul to be able to fundraise and support other really great causes.”
United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity Fundraiser, Gary Burr, said: “Paul junior is a great colleague. Not only does he make sure our hospitals are safe and secure for our patients and staff, but he goes above and beyond with his fundraising.
“It means so much to our clinical teams when people raise funds for them. It is never expected, but the difference it makes is immense.
“As a charity we support the extras not covered by NHS budgets. In recent months this has included funded social events for children with Type-1 diabetes, the purchase of scalp cooling caps to help reduce hair loss for patients undergoing chemotherapy and the purchase of a new interactive sensory play system for sick children.
“We know that the teams on Johnson Ward and Cardiac Short Stay will use any funds raised to support patients and staff. Thank you Paul junior – we will all be cheering you on.”
Image: Dave Johnson and Paul Harrop junior. Image courtesy of United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Sister Act The Musical wows at Grimsby Auditorium
The Grimsby Auditorium will be playing host this week, from the 2nd – 6th July, to the wonderful stage adaptation of Sister Act. We were fortunate enough to be invited to view the show live at the auditorium and can’t sing enough praises as to the performance.
The songs were iconic, the music exceptional, and the story is an old favourite from what many of us would call a better time of cinema. Most impressively, it even features original music not included in the movies, which nonetheless fits incredibly with the show.
The musical is based on the iconic and beloved movie, a sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music which tells the hilarious story of the disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a convent! Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.
Stage and screen star Wendi Peters plays “Mother Superior” and knocked the ball out the park with her performance. Wendi Peters is best known for her role as the iconic Cilla Battersby Brown in ITV’s Coronation Street, as well as series regular Cook Jenkins in CBBC’s Hetty Feather. Alongside her screen work, her many stage credits include Diane in the European premiere of You Are Here at the Southwark Playhouse, Madame Latour in the National Tour of John Cleese’s Bang Bang, Mrs Baskin in the West End premiere of Big The Musical at the Dominion Theatre, and national tours of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, White Christmas, Quartet, Oh, What A Lovely War! and Rutherford & Son.
The cast also includes Landi Oshinowo as Deloris Van Cartier, Alfie Parker as Eddie Souther and Ian Gareth-Jones as Curtis Jackson, and Eloise Runnette as Sister Mary Robert, alongside Isabel Canning, Julie Stark, Phillip Arran, Kate Powell, Elliot Gooch, Michalis Antoniou, Callum Martin, Esme Laudat, Amber Kennedy, Harvey Ebbage, Joseph Connor, Ceris Hine, Sheri Lineham, Corrine Priest and Samuel John-Humphreys.
Sister Act has direction by Bill Buckhurst, choreography by Alistair David, Set and Costume Design by Morgan Large, Lighting Design by Tim Mitchell, Sound Design by Tom Marshall and Musical Supervision by Stephen Brooker. Casting is by Stuart Burt.
SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL
Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 July 2024
Tue – Sat 7.30pm Wed & Sat mat 2.30pm
Pricing
Tuesday – Thursday
£14.00 £27.00 £31.00 £36.00 £44.00
Friday – Saturday
£14.00 £30.00 £34.00 £38.50 £46.00
Theatrecard – Opening Night – half price tickets* (max 4 per theatrecard) & Tue –Thu : £5.00 off* *top two prices only.
Students/ Seniors/ Children – £5.00 off top two prices only. Tue -Thu only.
Student / Seniors – Wed matinee only £25.00, excludes Premium seats.
Groups
Groups 10+ £6.00 off** Groups 20+ £7.00 off** Groups 40+ £8.00 off**
**Tue – Thu only. Top two prices only.
Medical students swap classroom for helicopter in air ambulance taster day
On 25 June, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) hosted a successful taster day where doctors and paramedics showcased the multifaceted aspects of pre-hospital emergency medicine (PHEM) to medical and paramedic students.
Shayda Karimi, a doctor with LNAA put the special day together for trainee doctors and paramedics to gain an insight of working within the Air Ambulance environment. PHEM is rarely included in medical school or foundation curricula meaning fewer junior doctors and medical students choose this area of medicine as a career option.
Shayda was delighted with the enthusiasm shown by the delegates. She said: “It’s great to see our future HEMS doctors and paramedics working together and taking their first steps into this rewarding and challenging career.”
The simulations illustrate the difficulties pre-hospital critical care teams face when treating patients at the scene of an incident and highlight the differences to treating patients in hospitals. The students were also given a tour of the helicopter to see the vast array of specialist equipment carried on each mission.
Hana Holder, a Year Four medical student at Lincoln University who has an interest in trauma medicine, had not realised that there were careers in HEMS medicine before attending the day.
She said: “Practising real life scenarios is not something that I had done before and the simulations brought to life the importance of teamwork. The doctors and paramedics shared their knowledge on how to deal with trauma at the roadside which has really built on my knowledge. It made me realise how rewarding working in a PHEM environment is and I would now consider working for an air ambulance in the future.”
Over 28,000 people enjoy concerts at Lincoln Castle for first ever ‘Live at Lincoln Castle’ events
Promoters Cuffe & Taylor, came to Lincoln this June to put on their first ever summer shows. The headline acts have included Crowded House, Jess Glynne, Paloma Faith, Kaiser Chiefs, Madness and Gregory Porter.
The intimate setting of the castle wowed fans and artists alike, who were in awe of the magnificent, historic backdrop.
The shows at Lincoln Castle have drawn visitors from far and wide. This was particularly noted at the Gregory Porter concert with fans travelling from America just to watch his performance at the castle.
There were positive effects on local businesses and the hospitality trade too. The tourism boost to Lincoln was felt across the whole city with hotels and accommodation reporting increased bookings and restaurants and bars benefiting from the increased footfall as well as the positive impact on other local attractions, retail and shopping.
The success of the concerts is further mirrored by audience members who have enthused that the shows have put Lincoln on the gig map. There was much praise for the addition of a BSL signer at every show, making the concerts accessible for everyone.
Mark Harrison of Cuffe and Taylor says: “We are all delighted at the positive reaction to our first summer concert season at Lincoln Castle. We’ve had 6 very successful nights with some of the best live music artists on the touring circuit.
“We’ve had overwhelming support from the Lincoln Castle team, County Council, local businesses and the local community. We have loved our first Summer in Lincoln, it’s such a warm and welcoming city. We are excited for next year already!”
After a successful summer season, Cuffe and Taylor are now working with the County Council to secure future dates for 2025. You can sign up here – http://eepurl.com/iGqs-w to be informed of new concert announcements and be the first to know when acts are announced.
Diamonds in the sky: Former Red Arrows team members recall their days with display team
Engineers and pilots of the iconic Red Arrows gathered to share memories and watch the team’s display at Cleethorpes Armed Forces event to commemorate their aiamond anniversary.
Formed in 1964, the current Royal Air Force Red Arrows display team carried out a 25-minute display at Cleethorpes, culminating in two jets writing a 60 in the sky using smoke trails. The display was watched by thousands who lined the streets to catch a glimpse of what is widely referred to as the greatest aerobatic display team in the world.
Also watching on were a number of former Red Arrows pilots and engineers who have worked on the team . In a special reunion, members of the Red Arrows Association were invited to attend the event organised by RAA member and former Engineering controller Gavin Marshall.
Amongst them was engineer Bill Green and fitter Mike Souter, who worked with the team in 1965 and from 1968 to 1972 respectively.
Bill began his career in the RAF at Little Rissington, Gloucestershire, in 1963, spending two years with the Red Pelicans who were one of many display teams prior to the formation of the Red Arrows.
Eventually, Bill was selected to be part of the Red Arrows engineering team, something he looks back on with delight. He said: “It was great fun and everything I had ever dreamt it would be.”
Asked about some of his greatest memories, Bill stuck to a mantra that many of the team follow, saying: “What happens in the team stays in the team, but it’s a year I remember very fondly.
“I don’t regret a single moment of it.” However, in his role as engineer, he didn’t solely work on the aircraft.
“The ground crew were also the people who gave feedback to the pilots after a flight. Being up in the sky, they’ve no idea how they performed so we would have to tell them how they got on.
“Sometimes they would come back grumpy thinking they’d done a bad job when actually they’d performed well and other times it was the opposite.”
The day was made even more special for him by watching his beloved Red Arrows perform right in front of his eyes.
“I was really looking forward to watching them perform. It always makes me happy seeing them in the sky.”
Meanwhile, “fitter” Mike was selected to be part of the team back in 1968, staying with them for a period of four years. “When I was told the news, I was over the moon.
“In my first two years I organised a number of things for the engineers before spending the next two years as part of the “Circus”.”
Those in the Circus sit in the back of each Red Arrow jet while it’s in flight and are tasked with the service and maintenance of a specific plane for the display season. Mike said: “To be in the air with them was quite the experience. The camaraderie between everyone was just amazing.”
He added; “If I could do it all over again, I certainly would.”
Dicky Patounas was Red 1 in 2005/06. He said: “When you’re told you’re going to lead the team, it fills you with pride, but also trepidation of needing to deliver such high standards with everyone looking at you. It’s a huge challenge, but one that’s highly rewarding too.”
He added: “It isn’t just the pilots that make it work, there is a whole team of engineers, fitters and much more that make everything come together.”
Having spent a number of years with the team, Dicky has a whole host of amazing memories. ”Some of my best moments include leading the team down the Mall for the Queen’s Birthday and the display we carried out for our 40th anniversary.”
However, some of his favourite moments had nothing to do with flying. “I used to love speaking to people, both young and old.
“We would go to Great Ormond Street Hospital at Christmas and speak to children and even engage with the Royals at certain events. I really enjoyed visiting the children, seeing us made their day and it was a way for the team to inspire a younger generation.
“As well as being enjoyable, it was an incredibly humbling experience that I never forgot. I look back on it all with such fondness.”
Navigo named ‘Foster Friendly’ business
Launched during the recent Fostering Fortnight activities, North East Lincolnshire Council’s ‘Foster Friendly business’ scheme is gaining ground across the borough, as more organisations and businesses commit to supporting foster carers.
The initiative encourages businesses and organisations across the area to support employees who are also foster carers, or those who may choose to become foster carers in the future. Foster Friendly businesses taking part in the scheme will offer benefits to staff who are foster carers, including additional annual leave for appointments and training.
Navigo chief executive Simon Beeton said: “We are absolutely delighted to become an official Foster Friendly organisation.
“As a leading provider of mental health services, we see every day the impact and difference a stable home can have on the lives of the people we serve. We are committed to supporting foster carers as it is important that this vital role is recognised and encouraged.”
Locally and nationally there is a great shortage of foster carers, and it is organisations and businesses supporting people who provide homes for foster children that could help to tip the balance across North East Lincolnshire.
North East Lincolnshire Council’s Children’s Services Director, Ann-Marie Matson, welcomed the news: “It is fantastic that Navigo has chosen to sign up to the ‘Foster Friendly’ scheme, joining North East Lincolnshire Council, Toll Bar Academy, and Grimsby Town Football Club as we all make a commitment together to support foster carers, and in turn foster children who desperately need welcoming and safe homes to live in.
“Foster carers provide homes for vulnerable children and young people, and many of these young people need support whilst they adjust to their new environments. This can require additional help from foster carers, and those with jobs may find it difficult if employers are unaware of the additional care young people may need during these traumatic times.
“Becoming part of the Foster Friendly scheme gives employers an insight into the needs of foster carer employees and provides them with the tools they require to support them and the foster children in their homes.
“We welcome Navigo to the scheme and look forward to others across the borough joining us in the future.”
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council
Work begins on transformation of iconic pub site
Work has started on the £1.5 million transformation of the former site of Lincoln’s famous Golden Cross pub, which closed in 2020.
Following the recent demolition of the old pub, the Gelder Group has embarked on a special housing project, after being awarded a contract by Framework Housing Association.
Although the building site is quite small, the Young People’s Learning Provision (YPLP) – which is part of the county council’s Children’s Services – has kindly allowed the company to park site traffic on their land. This has removed the need for additional traffic to be on the road, relieving potential congestion.
The new building will comprise 15 supported housing flats, which meet the Secured by Design accreditation. This is a police-preferred specification which provides a recognised standard for all security products that can deter and reduce crime.
Gelder Group Chief Executive Officer Steve Gelder said: “We are delighted to be working on this project for several reasons. Obviously, winning this work was great news for team Gelder.
“It is also special to be transforming a site which, historically, had connections with Lincoln City Football Club. Being so close to City’s Sincil Bank ground, it was a natural watering hole for Red Imps’ fans.
“On a more serious note, we have also long admired the amazing work done by Framework, in supporting people who are homeless or at risk of being so. Also, it doesn’t stop there, because it also supports its ‘clients’ with their health, social care and employment needs.”
The building is due to be completed by March 2025.
Framework Director of Corporate Services, Dave Newmarch said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to help address the shortage of accommodation for homeless people in Lincoln with these purpose-built premises providing 15 self-contained, one-bed units for single homeless people.
“Framework is a registered charity and a registered provider of social housing and we have been providing services for homeless and vulnerable people in Lincolnshire since 2011.
“This new housing on the High Street will be our fifth major capital investment in Lincoln to provide good quality, purpose-built accommodation for people in need. It brings our total investment in the city to more than £9.6m and enables us to provide accommodation for more than 100 homeless people at any one time.
“With support from the City of Lincoln Council, the £2.65m project has been funded under the government’s Single Homeless Accommodation Programme which provides homes and crucial support for people with high and enduring support needs, including rough sleepers.
“The government grant of £1.7m has been supplemented by a contribution from Framework itself worth £850,000.
“We are delighted to be working with the excellent Gelder Group – keeping the work in Lincolnshire and ensuring that the project is delivered to the high standards we wish to provide for the people we support.
“When the flats are occupied in spring 2025 residents will receive dedicated support from staff who will be on site 24/7 to address the issues that contributed to residents’ homelessness in the first place.”
