Phase one of landmark Skegness Tower Gardens landscape renovations complete
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has finished delivering the first stage of works as part of a masterplan to reinvigorate the historic Tower Gardens in Skegness.
On behalf of Skegness Town Council, who are developing the site with Heritage Lincolnshire through SCAPE’s Regional Construction Framework, G F Tomlinson worked alongside Influence Planning and Design and Gleeds to complete the £590k initial phase.
The completion of the project was marked with a ‘ribbon cutting’ ceremony earlier this month, with Deputy Town Mayor, Councillor Jimmy Brookes, Town Clerk, Steve Larner and G F Tomlinson’s Framework Manager for SCAPE, Craig Stopper, in attendance, along with local councillors and representatives from Heritage Lincolnshire, Influence and Gleeds.
The first stage of the Tower Gardens Masterplan formed part of the Towns Fund Grant Scheme and was safely delivered whilst the park remained open to the public, ensuring availability for continued use of the amenities with minimal disruption.
Landmark works included the refurbishment of the pond and its perimeter railings as well as the reinstatement of the pond pump, together with enhancements to overall accessibility through the re-levelling of the land and re-routing of footpaths. A specialised sensory area was created around the bandstand of the historic site for the local community to enjoy, where planting by the project team and members of the local community was undertaken as part of a community planting day held in March.
The enhancement works will ensure that Tower Gardens continues to provide a valuable and accessible central space for Skegness residents to enjoy, bringing people together for community events and outdoor activities.
In support of the local community, G F Tomlinson sourced 58% of its labour for the scheme from within a 40-mile radius of the site, providing local job opportunities for the region. Alongside this over 99% of construction waste for the project was diverted from landfill, reducing the environmental impact on the community.
G F Tomlinson has a long-standing relationship with Skegness Town Council having previously delivered the Tower Gardens Pavilion back in 2020.
Adrian Grocock, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “It has been a pleasure to be working alongside our long-term client, Skegness Town Council, once again to bring the first phase of the vision for the Tower Gardens landscape renovations to life, reinvigorating a historical central landmark so that residents can continue to enjoy it for years to come.
“The scheme fully compliments our earlier project on the Tower Gardens Pavilion. The team and all suppliers have worked exceptionally well together to overcome operational and design challenges in a fully collaborative environment, delivering enhancement works that will benefit the town for many years to come.”
Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, said: “The Tower Gardens in Skegness is an excellent example of how utilising green spaces can enrich communities, bringing together local residents who enjoy the outdoor and natural environments. We are immensely proud to be working in close partnership with G F Tomlinson on such a positive project which is providing a place residents can be proud of, whilst leaving a lasting historical legacy.”
Steve Larner, Town Clerk of Skegness Town Council, said: “It is wonderful to see everyone enjoying Tower Gardens now that the first phase of works are complete. This scheme has delivered improvements around the bandstand and central area of Tower Gardens.
“The pond has been restored to its former glory and the sensory play has been a big hit. We have received many positive comments from both residents and visitors alike. A big thank you goes out to everyone involved in the first phase of this project.”
Shona Hatton, director at Influence Landscape Planning & Design, said: “The conservation and enhancement of this Grade II Registered Park and garden helps reestablish Tower Gardens as one of Skegness’ primary green spaces.
“Influence is proud to have sensitively conserved and restored the park’s main features and introduced new elements of design that enable all the community to have a sense of pride and ownership. The work reinforces the park as a quality destination in its own right as well as a pleasant onward approach and gateway to the Grand Parade and sea front.
“The physical improvements create a safe and accessible park for all, with the central features of the cascade and pond creating a vibrance and energy that had been lost, right at its heart. The gardens now have a sense of its original charm and enable people to hark back to an era when Pleasure Gardens were places for socialising and enjoyment.”
Family haulage business closes doors after eight decades
Cartwright Brothers (Haulage) Ltd, the family haulage and storage business based in Lincoln, closed its doors last week after 80 years of trading.
The company, which employed more than 100 people, was set up by four brothers shortly before the end of the second world war to meet demand for road haulage across the agricultural sector.
In the early fifties, Cartwright Brothers delivered sandbags along the east coast to hold back the damage caused by one of the worst storms in UK history. Over the past decades, Cartwright Bros has continued to work for large name businesses – mostly in the agricultural sector as well as internationally renowned companies.
Directors and sons of two of the original brothers, cousins Jamie and John Cartwright have been running the business for the past 30-plus years and delivered the bad news around the closure to staff on Thursday.
Jamie said: “It was with tremendous sadness that we had to close the doors at Cartwright last week. But running a haulage business over the past decade has come with huge challenges – rising diesel prices, a difficult economy, along with huge constraints caused by COVID 19.
“Cartwright was never able to continue in the same vein since COVID. Plus, the Ukranian war had a huge impact on our sector in terms of fuel price increases, acquiring replacement parts for vehicles and having to wait long periods of time for these parts to arrive – and at inflated prices.
“All of these challenges were underpinned by serious lorry driver shortages following Brexit which added even more pressure to running Cartwright Bros – along with Government legislation changes which continued to impede our viability.
“In December it was reported that more than 450 UK haulage businesses went out of business in the previous 12 months. These are stark figures for the industry and something needs to be done to ensure that this much-needed sector thrives and survives.”
John added: “Running a successful family business turning over £12 million over the past few years has been a huge honour and a great sense of pride. Unfortunately, with the number of challenges thrown at us, we were unable to continue the success of the business.
“It has been a really sad time for us – particularly as Cartwright Bros celebrated eight decades in business in January this year. We are so grateful to our wonderful staff whom we are supporting in the recruitment process going forward. Some of our people worked for Cartwright Bros for most of their lives and we count them as personal friends.”
The company started in 1944 with just one lorry. At its height, Cartwright Bros had more than 60 wagons on the roads.
Cartwright customers, who have worked with Cartwright Bros for many years, have been quick to commiserate with the cousins and Cartwright staff.
Natasha Crowson, who started her career at Cartwright Bros when she was just 21 has worked for the business for three decades.
She said: “Cartwright Bros has been a fantastic company to work for. My colleagues and I were devastated to hear the news last week – both for the business and its success over the years, but also for Jamie and John who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the company was safe – and staff were looked after.
“The outpouring of love and affection by employees for the directors was wonderful to see last week. Everyone had their own stories of how Jamie and John looked after them over the years – not just as employers but as friends. It was truly a sad day to see this fantastic company close its doors after so long.
“We will all miss seeing the distinctive Cartwright Bros lorries on our roads. The company has been a massive Lincolnshire success story for so long and they will be sadly missed.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Ondra
Medieval re-enactment weekend to take people back in time
Residents and visitors will be given the chance to go back in time this July as Ayscoughfee Hall plays host to a medieval re-enactment weekend, led by local group Knights of Skirbeck.
Running from 10.30am until 4pm on both Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July, the event will incorporate various display tents showing life in the medieval age, many of which people can interact with, including an armoury and a kitchen alongside live craft and weapon demonstrations.
The free historical event will take place on the South Lawn, with the backdrop of the Hall, which itself is a medieval building dating back before the line of Tudors, having been built in the 1450s.
Carrying on the medieval theme, a host of characters will be there including knights of the realm, lords, ladies, merchants, cooks and members of the town militia; all helping to create a truly immersive experience for visitors to enjoy!
Museum Manager, Julia Knight said: “We’re really proud to be able to hold such a fantastic medieval re-enactment, it’s not often you get to feel as though you’ve stepped back in time but this event is sure to help give all visitors a glimpse into what life would’ve been like if they’d been born 700 years ago!”
Knights of Skirbeck representative Dave Bedford said: “We’d like to encourage as many people as possible to come along to the event in July, there’s no tickets so you can just come down on the day and experience an immersive historical experience – see you there!”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Dmitriy
Heritage skills festival returns to Gainsborough
Demonstrations of traditional traders such as woodturning, leatherwork, pottery, and stained glass will take place as the Heritage Skills Festival returns to Gainsborough.
On Saturday 13 July, West Lindsey District Council will host the event, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to watch the demonstrations and have a go themselves.
Traditional tradesmen and women will be in action in Gainsborough’s historic Market Place, from 9am-3pm. Special free crafts for children will also be available on the day in the activity tent, as well as lots of hand-made traditionally crafted gifts to browse and buy.
Entertainment will be provided in the form of medieval musicians and dancers de Mowbray’s Musicke, who will be demonstrating a range of historic instruments and dances.
West Lindsey District Council’s Townscape Heritage Activity Co-ordinator and organiser of the festival, Theresa Workman said: “We are keen to build on the success of last year’s festival and support rare trades from our region, hopefully inspiring a new generation to consider these rewarding and unusual careers.
“There is something for everyone, and there are so many free activities to try. Families will find lots to keep the children busy in our activity tent where they can learn a craft and take away their creation for free.”
Taking part will be:
- Alison Walling of Lincolnshire Willow will demonstrate the art of willow weaving.
- Mona Whitton, a successful artist, originally from Gainsborough, will demonstrate the art of working with stained glass with opportunities to have a go.
- Katie Veall from Arthur and Alice is a textile and fibre artist who predominantly uses the punch needle to create fine embroidery, wall art and furniture pieces.
- Laurence White of Shedtime, who is also from Gainsborough, will be demonstrating traditional leather work creating modern and historic items.
- Michael Ashton is a traditional chair maker who uses a foot operated pole lathe and traditional tools to create furniture.
- Patrick Whitton is a young adult who specialises in wood turning, using a modern lathe to create bowls and spoons.
- Sarah of SPT Ceramics creates large figures for both the home and garden with demonstrations on the finishing stages.
- Shaun Clark of Whiskerhills Pottery will demonstrate the art of hand decorating pottery.
Exhibition showcases art of Lincoln students
Creativity has taken centre stage at Lincoln College as it celebrates talented students with a vibrant end-of-year show.
The diverse range of art on display spans various disciplines, and the exhibition is now open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to experience the imaginative works of emerging artists.
Lincoln College Showcase
The historic Christ Hospital Terrace at Lincoln College provides a picturesque setting for the art exhibition. Visitors will be treated to an eclectic mix of artworks, including fine art, graphic design, photography, multimedia installations, and fashion pieces.
The event also features a pop-up shop where students’ creations, cards, and prints are available for purchase, allowing attendees to take home a piece of this artistic celebration.
Location: Lincoln College, Steep Hill, 1 Christ’s Hospital Terrace, Lincoln LN2 1LY
Dates: 24th June – 3rd July (excluding weekends)
Times: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Lincoln College also hosted a special art showcase on Friday, 19th June, featuring the work of Supported Education Skills for Creative Arts students, whilst Creative Media Production Level 3 first and second years premiered their work at Knights Theatre. This event, open to the public and attended by students’ friends and family, highlighted the impressive achievements of these dedicated students, further enriching the vibrant artistic community at the college.
These exhibitions are a celebration of the hard work, dedication, and creativity of the students. For the public, they offer a glimpse into the future of the arts, showcasing works that challenge, inspire, and captivate. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a prospective student, or simply looking for an inspiring outing, the Lincoln College Group’s end-of-year shows are a must-visit.
Image credit: Lincoln College
Paloma Faith conquers Lincoln Castle
Paloma Faith was the latest act to perform at Lincoln Castle on Saturday for another night of incredible live music.
Paloma burst onto the stage with an infectious energy that captivated the crowd immediately. Her brutally honest and effortless banter with the crowd about the breakdown of her former relationship set the scene for the first half of the show as she powered through hits from her latest album ‘The Glorification of Sadness’.
She was back after a short interval with a jam packed second half featuring all her greatest hits which had everyone dancing and singing along as her energy, sparkle and effervescent charisma bought a feel good party atmosphere to the castle grounds.
It was the third sold out concert from promoters Cuffe and Taylor, who have six shows in total this Summer at Lincoln Castle. The shows have been an enormous success so far as concert goes have welcomed the high profile artists to the city.
On Saturday, local couple and newlyweds Mr and Mrs Thompson enjoyed the show as part of their wedding celebration, having got married just hours earlier the same day. They came with their whole wedding party to the castle, as not only did they love Paloma but it was within the castle grounds they got engaged. An emotional and memorable night for them and a story which was shared with Paloma backstage.
Another local Lincoln lady Eileen Northcott received a personal message and signed poster from Paloma who had heard she was coming to the show following major surgery and recent health battles.
She received the personally written message in the second half of the show after her family friend Hannah had written to promoters Cuffe and Taylor to explain that Paloma’s music has helped her through a difficult time and she was a huge fan. The promoters made sure Paloma heard her story and it was a touching moment for Eileen.
Paloma came and conquered Lincoln Castle and it was an unforgettable night. Live at Lincoln Castle Concerts are back at the castle on Friday 28th June with Kaiser Chiefs and Saturday 29th June with Madness followed by Gregory Porter on Sunday 30th June. The shows are all sold out except for Gregory Porter, which still has a small handful of tickets left and these can be purchased here – https://www.lincolncastle.com/events/event/56/live-at-lincoln-castle-gregory-porter
Main image credit: Donna Samuels Photography
On Saturday, local couple and newlyweds Mr and Mrs Thompson enjoyed the show as part of their wedding celebration, having got married just hours earlier the same day. They came with their whole wedding party to the castle, as not only did they love Paloma but it was within the castle grounds they got engaged. An emotional and memorable night for them and a story which was shared with Paloma backstage.
Another local Lincoln lady Eileen Northcott received a personal message and signed poster from Paloma who had heard she was coming to the show following major surgery and recent health battles.
She received the personally written message in the second half of the show after her family friend Hannah had written to promoters Cuffe and Taylor to explain that Paloma’s music has helped her through a difficult time and she was a huge fan. The promoters made sure Paloma heard her story and it was a touching moment for Eileen.
Paloma came and conquered Lincoln Castle and it was an unforgettable night. Live at Lincoln Castle Concerts are back at the castle on Friday 28th June with Kaiser Chiefs and Saturday 29th June with Madness followed by Gregory Porter on Sunday 30th June. The shows are all sold out except for Gregory Porter, which still has a small handful of tickets left and these can be purchased here – https://www.lincolncastle.com/events/event/56/live-at-lincoln-castle-gregory-porter
Main image credit: Donna Samuels Photography Safer Nights NL to support night time economy in Brigg
Businesses and workers from Brigg’s Pubwatch have signed up to the Safer Nights NL charter.
Many night time economy venues are part of Pubwatch and have signed the Safety at Night Charter, pledging to take the safety of everyone seriously. It shows venues are being proactive in improving safety of those working in the night time economy and members of the public who want to enjoy socialising safely.
This follows on from the Safer Nights NL being successfully launched in Scunthorpe.
The campaign sees venues being trained in bystander training, how to use bleed kits and First Aid training, and given details on Ask Angela and spiking and ‘One Punch’ awareness.
The charter was created by the North Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership (CSP), which includes North Lincolnshire Council, Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue, Ongo, the National Probation Service, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB and the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner.
North Lincolnshire CSP has also teamed up with WalkSafe, the personal safety app. It features a safety map that will show the safe space venues in Scunthorpe (and soon to show Brigg venues).
Chief Superintendent Paul French of Humberside Police said: “As part of our local Safer Nights North Lincolnshire partnership, we are delighted to support the launch of Pubwatch in Brigg and the initiative of the Walk Safe App extending its coverage across our local communities.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Mirko Vitali
New loco arrives at North Lincolnshire heritage railway
Crowle Peatland Railway had got an additional loco for its heritage track in North Lincolnshire with the acquisition of a piece of Irish peat railway history, the Bord na Mona locomotive LM336.
It is a classic example of the Wagonmaster design, powerful 0-4-0 locomotives built by the Leeds-based Hunslet Engine Company from the early 1960s for the Irish Peat Commission (Bord na Mona). These locomotives played a vital role in transporting peat across Ireland for many years.
Crowle Peatland Railway trustee Will Coleman was responsible for acquisition of the loco. He said: “We are incredibly excited to welcome LM336 to the Crowle Peatland Railway. These Wagonmaster locomotives are not only powerful and functional but also represent an important chapter in Irish industrial history. LM336 will be a fantastic addition to our fleet and we look forward to sharing it with our visitors. The purchase of this locomotive was only possible after generous donations from our members.”
LM336 is currently undergoing a comprehensive inspection to ensure it operates safely and reliably on the Crowle Peatland Railway. Once operational, visitors will have the opportunity to ride behind this historic locomotive and experience a unique piece of Irish peat-railway history.
The railway’s next open weekend at its site on Dole Road in Crowle will be on July 13th & 14th.
Hard-working volunteers honoured by County Council
The hard work of local volunteers from across the county has been celebrated at Lincolnshire County Council’s annual Good Citizens Awards.
Awards are made in four categories:
Individual: Won by John Mould for his work with Boston Men’s Shed in 2021 – an initiative that provides mutual support for local men struggling with a variety of personal issues.
John has led a massive fundraising effort to ensure the project’s future and as a result it’s now moved to larger premises. This is with the aim of increasing its current opening times of two days a week so that it can support more men and get involved with more community projects.
Members of the Boston Men’s Shed have gained a great sense of purpose and helped the Boston community as a whole through working on projects for organisations such as The Salvation Army, Women’s Refuge, Marie Curie and Boston in Bloom.
Young Citizen: 10-year-old AlfieAlfie Coombes from Branston wanted to raise money for people who don’t have enough food. Alfie suffered a brain injury at birth and has of cerebral palsy, hypermobility, and global development delay. He has chronic pain and requires support with a wheelchair when walking long distances. Following a sponsored bike ride he was in immense pain for four days, but rode 20.1 miles in a single day, raising over £500 for the Lincoln Community Grocery run by Message Trust in partnership with Alive Church which stocks good food that would have gone to waste and makes it available for members from just £5 per shop. For that, they can fill their basket with fresh fruit and veg, pantry items, chilled and frozen food and toiletries.
Community Group: Buddies Dementia Café in Nettleham has 80 people attending bi-monthly meetings at Nettleham Village Hall from local villages and the Lincoln area. Those living with dementia often find music a powerful way to connect with memories, create positive feelings and encourage social interaction so the meetings always feature a live singer or a small band. The committee is supported by a team of volunteers who set up the village hall, greet members, serve refreshments and take time to chat with everyone.
Pair or Couple: Salvation Army members Michael and Morag Watkins’ voluntary work continues to have a positive impact on people of all ages. Michael is a familiar face on Lincoln’s High Street where he can be found most Fridays outside Marks and Spencer selling the weekly Salvation Army magazine War Cry and chatting to passers-by at the store entrance. Morag leads the church’s weekly CAMEO club (Come And Meet Each Other) on Monday afternoons at the city’s Salvation Army Church which gives the opportunity for social interaction. At Christmas they both arranged for new toys to be collected beside the Salvation Army hall’s Christmas tree.
The presentation was hosted by Lincolnshire County Council chairman Cllr Eddie Strengiel, who said: “I am proud to say that our county has a great tradition of volunteering, so, with that in mind, the county council created the Good Citizens Awards to give us the opportunity to recognise our own unsung heroes.
“This year’s winners are truly inspirational and make a huge difference to their communities through their unstinting commitment.
“The winners were chosen from a host of nominations covering all corners of the county and I would like to thank everyone who took the time to tell us about the unsung heroes from their communities.”
Work begins on regeneration of Caistor’s 2-4 Market Place
Work has officially begun on the significant regeneration project at 2-4 Market Place in Caistor.
Promising to continue the reawakening of Caistor, the news came as compound construction began in the Market Place yesterday (June 19th), signalling the long-awaited start of this Lincolnshire Wolds project.
Messenger – part of the BCR Group, principal contractor for the project and the team who recently undertook and completed the cutting-edge conservation work at Lincoln Medieval Bishops’ Palace, Greenwood Projects – the firm that has supported 2-4 Market Place from day one with Graham Tait Project Managing, and AnotherKind Architects, will be working hand-in-hand with the Caistor and District Community Trust (CDCT) to ensure a smooth start to this scheme of work, as the on-site compound settles into the Market Place for Phase One of the renovations.
While the arrival of the compound will reduce the number of parking spaces available in the town centre, Neil Castle, Company Secretary of the Trust, explains that the impact on the local businesses and residents as well as visitors has been fully considered and mitigated by Highways as well as Caistor Town Council.
“It’s understandable that concern has been raised about fewer parking spaces being available in the town centre,” said Neil. “To keep as many spaces free as possible, the compound has been thoughtfully constructed and will be decorated in collaboration with the Caistor in Bloom volunteers to feature the work of local artists. It has also been agreed that contractors will be parking off-site away from the prime parking locations.”
“Highways has been involved from the initial planning stages, and is on board with the requirements needed on-site,” Neil added. “Having had considerable conversations with our primary contractor, Messenger, about the best way to manage the compound needs alongside those of local residents, businesses and visitors, Highways has performed its due diligence and, in doing so, has galvanised the Caistor Town Council into reviewing parking options locally, which can only be of further benefit for the town.
“To say we’re are delighted to see work commencing to breathe life back into these buildings is an understatement. They have for too long stood neglected in our town square.”
Caistor has seen a boom in business recently, both with new arrivals, as well as those resident businesses that are up-scaling and taking up vacant units, so to be able to further add to this enterprise by providing opportunities for community activities, social space and to help bring additional tourism to the town, is incredibly important to all involved in the 2-4 Market Place project.
Supported with principal grants from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Architectural Heritage Fund, investment from Community Share Holders and Co-op UK, a Towns Fund grant from West Lindsey District Council, and additional support from The Pilgrim Trust, Caistor Town Council and the Lady Neville Trust, the diverse and vibrant mixed-use development scheme that has been carefully planned out with AnotherKind Architects will include the repair and conservation of the complex of historic buildings, transforming 2-4 Market Place into a space the whole community can be proud of.
Having been vacant for several years and noted on the building’s ‘at risk’ register as needing immediate attention, the restored buildings, in their full glory, will create spaces for retail units, which could include a restaurant/cafe, a community space for functions, exhibitions and other community activities, self-catering holiday lets, and – in Phase Two – spaces that can be used as offices or arts-and-crafts business units, storage for local archival materials and a space for the Trust to work from.
With work now underway, prioritising the completion of the market square facing shopfronts of 2, 3 and 4 Market Place, the community room above number 4, two holiday lets above numbers 2 and 3, the new core service building and the restored courtyard, the continued collaboration between the Trust and its partners will support the aim to get work completed on Phase One for Summer 2025.
As work progresses, hard hat tours for shareholders, funders, schools and other interested parties will take place, showcasing the history of the buildings, their current state and how this regeneration project will benefit the area in the long term, enhancing what Caistor already has to offer both as a place to live and work as well as a place to visit.
