Grimsby school breaks new ground as first ‘foster friendly’ employer
Waltham Toll Bar Academy has become North East Lincolnshire’s first ‘Foster Friendly’ employer under a new scheme launched by the Council, committing to support staff who are already foster carers, or those who may choose to become so in the future.
The scheme was launched during the recent Fostering Fortnight activities, encouraging businesses and organisations across the borough to support foster carers.
Principal of Waltham Toll Bar Academy Nigel Whittle said: “We are pleased to support North East Lincolnshire Council’s campaign and proud to become the first ‘Foster friendly’ school in the borough.
“We are aware of the shortage of foster carers and, as an employer, are committed to promoting their much-valued work and supporting colleagues who wish to take on such important roles.
“Foster parents can provide the stability a child needs and transform their life chances. It can also be a rewarding experience, knowing you’ve made the difference to a young person’s prospects.
“We wish the campaign every success and reiterate our willingness to be involved and partner North East Lincolnshire Council in initiatives that benefit children across the area.”
Armed Forces Day to be celebrated in Cleethorpes with major free event
North East Lincolnshire Armed Forces Day (weekend) will be celebrated in Cleethorpes again on 28-30 June this year with the largest, free event on the east coast.
The resort, which has hosted Armed Forces Days for the last decade, will see a full programme of events to show support to the men and women of our armed forces, the armed forces community and our veterans. Events will take place from Sea Road through to the Boating lake.
To mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, there will be displays and activities at the Boating Lake Paddock throughout Saturday and Sunday. Groups will be commemorating this enormous endeavour which resulted in freeing the peoples of Europe and later ending the Second World War.
The armed forces events team have brought back the original Community Carnival (now the Armed Forces Community Carnival) on the Friday evening following the exponential growth in participation and numbers. On top of that, a number of local dance groups and bands will be performing on the stage near to the Armed Forces Memorial Gate on Alexandra Road throughout the weekend in the main area of the resort.
These include groups from the Clifton dance academy as well as the All for One choir, comprising of over 100 people.
On the ground, there will also be a number of carnivals and parades taking place over the three days. The first will be held along the High Street and Alexandra Road on the Friday evening with 80 floats and participants getting involved.
On Saturday afternoon, the main Armed Forces Day parade with military bands, members of the armed forces, veterans and cadets will take place. This will begin on Grant Street before moving along on Alexandra Road.
There will also be an evening sunset ceremony on the Saturday evening including cadets and the Sea Cadet Band, a march of the standards and veterans before the Union Flag is lowered at the Remembrance Gate.
However, you will have to look up to the skies for the rest of the entertainment with a number of aerial displays set to take place.
On Saturday, the Red Arrows will be performing to mark their 60th Anniversary alongside displays including the wonderful RAF Typhoon and RAF Tutor. These displays will be taking place across the main area of the resort.
Saturday will culminate with the return of a fireworks display which will be held near Ross Castle. The weekend is also being supported by traders from Lincolnshire and beyond, with the Big Wheel returning to the leisure centre car park for the weekend.
Alex Baxter, Managing Director of the Armed Forces Major Events Team, said: “This is the biggest, free event on the east coast held to thank our armed forces personnel, past and present, for their service to our country and their support to civilian life. We are a small group of volunteers who organise the weekend, and it takes almost a year of planning, but it’s always a fabulous weekend in the resort.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/simon
Margaret marks 30 years as a school crossing patrol
Pupils, teachers, parents and pedestrians have joined North Lincolnshire Council in thanking school crossing patrol Margaret Long, who last month chalked up 30 years service helping the people and families of Bottesford cross the road safely.
Margaret patrols the busy Messingham Road crossing at the junction with Moorwell Road in Scunthorpe. In her 30 years helping the children and pedestrians of Bottesford cross safely, she says the main change is that drivers have become less patient and take more risks.
Margaret said: “I have loved every minute of this job crossing pedestrians safely. I especially enjoy listening to the children telling me what they are doing at school.”
She added that she would encourage anyone to become a crossing patrol. “The only downside is that sometimes the weather can be bad.”
Alison Barker, chief executive of North Lincolnshire Council, presented Margaret with a certificate marking her long-service achievement. She said: “A big thank-you goes out to Margaret – and all our crossing patrol people – who turn out in all weathers to make sure our children cross the road safely.
“Everyone remembers their school crossing patrol person, and there must be some people out there who remember crossing the road with Margaret who are now parents themselves.”
A triumphant opening weekend for ‘Live at Lincoln Castle Concerts’!
An exuberant crowd of 10,000 concert goers filled the grounds of the historic Lincoln Castle this weekend for the opening of the much-anticipated Live at Lincoln Castle Concerts!
Crowded House kicked off the opening night and fans cheered with delight as the clouds parted and the sunshine filled the concert site. A jam-packed set of all the big hits and fan favourites such as ‘Don’t Dream it’s Over’, ‘Weather With You’ and ‘Fall at Your Feet’ set the pace for an electric evening of live music. Lead singer Neil Finn marvelled on the magnificent, historical setting of Lincoln Castle reinforcing that this is a truly magical venue for live music.
Jess Glynne followed on Sunday night with an explosive set! Her energy transferred to the crowd who danced and sang along to every word. Glynne sang through her biggest No1 hits such as ‘Hold My Hand’, ‘Don’t be So Hard on Yourself’ and ‘I’ll Be There’ as well as her more recent hits from her brand-new album ‘Jess’, which included ‘Friend of Mine’. Support came from talented Irish singer songwriter Cian Ducrot, Issey Cross and The Mercians.
The addition of a BSL sign interpreter was praised by concert goers with Charlotte Anderson from The Inclusivity Group signing throughout the entire set for both nights.
This was the first of three weekends by promoters Cuffe and Taylor who have committed to bringing some of the biggest names in live music to play at the castle, putting Lincoln firmly on the map as one of the most unique venues in the UK to perform. Next weekend will see Paloma Faith perform on Saturday 22nd June, followed by Kaiser Chiefs on Friday 28th June, Madness on Saturday 29th June and Gregory Porter on Sunday 30th June.
There are a small number of tickets left for Gregory Porter and they can be purchased online – https://www.lincolncastle.com/events/event/56/live-at-lincoln-castle-gregory-porter . All other shows are sold out.
Image credit: Paul Dixon Photography
Classic Ibiza reveals full orchestral set ahead of sold-out Burghley House return
With Classic Ibiza’s sold-out return to Burghley House near Stamford on Saturday 27 July just over a month away, the concert organisers have revealed the incredible tracks being reinvented by Urban Soul Orchestra at the show. Known for collaborating with dance music legends, like Groove Armada, Nightmares On Wax and Robert Miles, USO will be performing 16 completely new tracks (*) in a set of over 40 house classics.
Gates open at 5.30pm, with a Chill-out DJ Set. Former Pacha Ibiza resident, DJ Jose Luis, then takes control of the decks at 6.30pm for his Afro/Latin House Set, which includes a live jamming session with members of USO.
At 8pm, Stephen Hussey’s 32-piece Urban Soul Orchestra takes centre stage for the first time with former Ibiza Rocks resident, DJ Krystal Roxx, performing these stone-cold dance classics in the San Miguel Sundowner Set:
Go (Moby)*, The Cure & The Cause (Fish Go Deep)*, Killer (Adamski), Unfinished Sympathy (Massive Attack), Waves (Mr Probz), Theme From S-Express (S’Express), Missing (Everything But The Girl), Cola (CamelPhat)*, What Is Love (Haddaway), Rhythm Is A Dancer (Snap!), You Don’t Know Me (Armand Van Helden), For An Angel (Paul van Dyke), We Come 1 (Faithless), Children (Robert Miles), Destination Calabria (Alex Gaundino)*, Needin’ U (David Morales)*.
USO then take a short break at 9pm, leaving the Burghley House audience in the capable hands of DJ Krystal Roxx, who’ll be mixing up a storm of Ibiza house anthems. Then onto the evening’s main event at 9.30pm, as USO return to the stage for the Dance Set, accompanied by an awesome laser and light show. Here are the tracks they will be performing:
Don’t You Want Me (Felix)*, Castles In The Sky (Ian Van Dahl), Pump Up The Jam (Technotronic), Superstylin’ (Groove Armada), The Key, The Secret (Urban Cookie Collective)*, Zombie Nation (Bass Drifter)*, Adagio For Strings (Tiësto), Insomnia (Faithless), Breathe (The Prodigy)*, Gonna Make You Sweat (C & C Music Factory), King Of My Castle (Wamdue Project), Need U 100% (Duke Damont), On A Ragga Tip (SL2), Silence (Dilerium), Anthem (N-Joi)*, Dirty Cash (Money Talks) (Adventures of Stevie V)*, Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless) (Crystal Waters)*, Space Cowboy (Jamiroquai)*, U Sure Do (Strike)*, I’m Not Alone (Calvin Harris)*, Freed From Desire (Gala), Not Over Yet (Grace)*.
The concert then reaches a rapturous crescendo at 11pm, following a three-track encore.
Classic Ibiza’s Lisa Ward comments: “After the resounding success of last year’s tour, it was slightly daunting dreaming up this summer’s set. I shouldn’t have been so worried… Each track is truly iconic – a perfect blend of never heard before orchestrations and some firm Classic Ibiza favourites. A massive thank you to everyone that’s coming to party with us at Burghley – we’ve got one helluva show in store for you!”
For anyone that missed out on tickets, the concert organisers advise visiting their recommended ticket re-sale site, Twickets. Classic Ibiza is proud to be supporting East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. Information: classicibiza.co.uk
Image credit: David Evans Photography
Moving house in Lincolnshire: a quick start guide
At the beginning of 2024, the average house price across the whole of the UK was around the £280,000 mark – shocking considering that in the 1980s you could buy a standard family home for more like £20,000. But how does Lincolnshire stack up compared to the rest of the country – and how can you keep the costs down if you’re moving house in Lincolnshire?
Lincolnshire house prices
The average house price in the county is currently around £220,000 – significantly less than the average across the UK. Compared to other counties, Lincolnshire is very affordable, which is good news for anyone looking to buy. This is true especially for first-time buyers who may be on a budget and need lower prices in order to even get on the property ladder.
The median house price for Lincolnshire is lower – more like £190,000. The median price gives a more accurate reflection of the type of properties that most people are buying, and is unaffected by the handful of extremely valuable homes being bought and sold within the county. According to recent research, most homes in Lincolnshire sell within the £150,000 – £200,000 price bracket.
How to get the best deals
Lincolnshire has a wide range of service providers and experts to help you with your house move, but how do you go about choosing the firms that are right for you, making sure you’re getting the best deals? Start by making a moving house checklist of all the things you must do and the people you need to help you.
This could include things like:
• Local estate agents
• Surveyors
• Solicitors
• Removal firms
• Cleaners
It’s always a good first step to ask your friends and neighbours whether they have any recommendations. Local firms should be backed by reviews or be able to offer you case studies or references. They should also have transparent pricing to enable you to compare prices with other suppliers.
Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate
Many people assume that the prices of professional services like estate agents and solicitors are always non-negotiable, but that simply isn’t the case. There is almost always some room at least for haggling, so don’t be shy – remember, if you don’t ask you don’t get! Anything you can save could be a valuable contribution towards doing the house up or carrying out fun renovations.
If you feel uncomfortable asking for money off, another way to approach it is to ask for extra services or perks to be included in the same price. For example, your removal company might not be able to give you a discount, but could they provide packing boxes free of charge? However you decide to approach it, be bold and remember that as long as you’re asking respectfully, the worst that can happen is that they say no.
Lincolnshire is a fantastic place to live, with friendly people and plenty of great scenery and culture. Whether you’re moving within the county or are completely new to the area, we wish you all the best for a successful move!
Free family fun coming to Sutton-on-Sea
Sutton-on-Sea is all set for a busy summer of free family events and activities, as part of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership’s Arts Council England NPO project.
The events, taking place across June, July and August, are designed to use arts and culture to educate residents and visitors about the history of the town, through performances and active participation.
The Summer-on-Sea events get underway with ‘Postcards in the Sand’ on Saturday 22 June from 11.30am to 3.30pm, a sand drawing event on the beach allowing people be part of creating a largescale postcard that invites people to the upcoming Vintage-on-Sea Festival on Saturday 29 June.
It is free to attend and take part, with 20-minute sessions for up to 30 participants at a time running throughout the day. A team will also be attending to capture stories and welcome contributions of old postcards, mementos or memories of holidays to the Lincolnshire Coast as part of a future artwork.
Up next, with collaboration from community groups and representatives, Sutton-on-Sea goes back in time on Saturday 29 June with Vintage-on-Sea, bringing together a variety of different singers, bands, dance groups, magicians and more.
A market will take place on the day, with over 30 different stalls for people to explore and enjoy including vintage items, food and drink and games and activities. A series of craft workshops will also be available giving people the opportunity to create their own miniature seaside windmills to take home with them, as well as face painting and lots more family-friendly fun.
To wrap up the summer, Circo Rum Ba Ba are bringing a true-to-life 50ft inflatable Sperm Whale to the Sutton-on-Sea Football Association Field on Thursday 1 August, which will be enclosed in a lobster-net fence and guarded by a nosy fishwife. Visitors can step inside the whale to discover a seascape interior and a unique encounter with a shipwrecked pirate.
Last but not least, visitors can take part in the Sand Sculpture Trail from Friday 2 August to Friday 16 August, where you can search for ten hidden sand sculptures along the seafront. Each sculpture will accompany information to educate everyone on the history and heritage of the Lincolnshire coast.
These events are part of the Partnership’s NPO project through funding from Arts Council England, which looks to support arts, culture, heritage and creativity across the whole of South and East Lincolnshire, providing meaningful opportunity and programming for residents, developing the sector and helping to build our arts, culture and heritage offer.
Sutton-on-Sea was identified as East Lindsey’s creative hub site to deliver creative activity as part of the funding, supported through the new Colonnade building currently under construction, with the programme being supported by an eight-member culture board which draws experience from a variety of sectors.
Further to the Partnership’s NPO events, the Sutton-on-Sea & Trusthorpe Annual Carnival will also be taking place in July, organised by the Sutton on Sea and Trusthorpe Carnival Committee, which includes live entertainment, funfair, vintage cars, trikes, stalls and more.
Rob Pitman, Chair of the NPO Culture Board, said: “The Summer of Creativity in Sutton-on-Sea is the result of partnering with the local community and businesses to co-produce a programme of diverse creative activities for all. This is an area of work the NPO is committed to developing and building on as we move forward.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Brian Jackson
Boston town centre to bloom
Boston’s town centre is set to become a vibrant hub of colour with the addition of new hanging baskets and planters. This initiative, a collaborative effort between Boston Borough Council, Lincolnshire Police, and HMP North Sea Camp, aims to enhance public open spaces and revitalise the town’s street scene.
The project involves assembling and installing 80 additional floral baskets and eight large new floor-standing planters, building on the existing number in the town. This initiative is part of a broader effort to foster civic pride and community spirit.
Since early 2024, prisoners at North Sea Camp have been designing and assembling the planters as part of a community outreach programme. This programme helps prisoners develop new skills and make positive contributions to the local community, aiding their rehabilitation and preparation for release.
Emily Spicer, Assistant Director for Wellbeing and Community Leadership at Boston Borough Council, said: “Whilst we wait patiently for the summer to appear, the team have been working hard alongside town centre businesses, community groups and a number of other borough wide organisations to bring even more colour to the town centre this year.
“With additional hanging baskets and planters being featured over the next few weeks, we are delighted to showcase together the commitment and pride in our town.
“We recognise the importance of ensuring our town centre is an attractive and safe place to be, whatever your reason for visiting and we will continue to prioritise activity to support this.”
Chief Inspector Richard Nethercott of Lincolnshire Police highlighted the project’s broader impact on community safety. “Environmental factors are linked to decision making when committing crime. If an area is run down, it signals neglect, increasing the likelihood of offending. Enhancing these spaces will make them feel safer and discourage criminal activity.”
The initiative includes a year-round programme to clean up the streets in key areas, further improving safety and aesthetics. New Community Rangers, working with PCSOs, Boston Borough Council’s community safety team, and increased CCTV, are also part of this comprehensive approach to community safety.
Funded by the Lincolnshire Serious Violence Fund under the ‘Operation Plotting Environmental Changes and Offender Rehabilitation’ project, this initiative seeks to address the root causes of violence and promote a culture of non-violence. It is also partially funded by the Community Alcohol Partnership.
Image: Boston, Lincolnshire. Credit: Stock.adobe.com/Tony
Peter Pan The Musical to bring the magic of outdoor theatre to Market Rasen
Trinity Arts Centre is teaming up with Immersion Theatre Company as part of ‘Trinity on Tour’, to bring another outdoor theatre experience to Market Rasen Leisure Centre on Saturday 6th July 2024, at 2:00pm, after last year’s family-filled success, ‘The Wind in the Willows’.
Following the success of their last touring production, ‘The Wizard of Oz’, multi-award nominated Immersion Theatre, best known for their work as producers of high-quality family theatre, invite you to soar away to Neverland as they proudly bring their trademark energy to their most magical musical to date: ‘PETER PAN’.
Get ready to think happy thoughts and fly high as the mischievous Peter embarks on an awfully big adventure, introducing Wendy Darling to the lost boys, the cheeky Tinkerbell, the hilarious Smee, and a host of other exciting characters, before facing the most feared villain of them all, the infamous Captain Hook!
Filled with catchy music, heaps of audience interaction, and a laugh-a-minute script, this hilarious and exciting musical of the boy who never grew up, promises to have every member of the family entertained throughout…You’ll be HOOKED!
Immersion Theatre’s Artistic Director, James Tobias, has written and is directing the show. He said: “I am incredibly excited to be reviving our acclaimed musical adaptation of this much-loved story. We know family audiences love this version of the show so it’s a tremendously exciting feeling knowing that we’re delivering a tried-and-tested crowd pleaser.
“The music is incredibly catchy, the characters magical, the cast exceptional, and the script has the perfect balance of staying true to the original story whilst adding all the ingredients that audiences have come to expect from an Immersion show: comedy, audience participation, and of course…water guns!
“There’s something magical and idyllic about this production and I cannot wait for family audiences to experience it in what promises to be our most enchanting family musical to date!”
‘Peter Pan The Musical’ will be bringing the perfect family entertainment experience to Market Rasen Leisure Centre on Saturday 6th July, at 2pm, with tickets currently available from £7.00.
Suitable for ages 4+ and with a runtime of approximately 100 minutes (including an interval).
For tickets visit https://trinityartscentre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173654527
For the box office call 01427 676655.
Entrepreneurs shine at Gainsborough’s first ‘Young Traders’ market
Young entrepreneurs showcased their goods at a special market held in the historic Market Place in Gainsborough.
West Lindsey District Council hosted its first Young Market Traders in the town on Saturday, which has been hailed a success.
The council believes young traders play a crucial role in the economy, they bring fresh ideas and innovative products and the market is a great way for them to showcase their goods in a traditional market setting and also create employment opportunities for themselves and for others.
Traders were invited to join the regular stallholders in Gainsborough on Saturday – not only to sell their products but to be part of a country-wide competition organised by the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF).
After careful consideration, three judges announced the overall regional winner for Gainsborough was Kasey Wolstenholme of Krafted by Kasey.
Kasey (25), who sells a variety of hand-made products including wax melts, room sprays, gifts and homeware, said she was absolutely ‘over the moon’ at being picked as the winner.
She said: “I’m still processing the fact I won the competition at Gainsborough. It honestly means so much to me because I work so hard on my business alongside looking after my little boy, and winning feels like validation that my business means something to other people too and that hard work does pay off.
“There was so many amazing young traders, so to be the winner is such a privilege and has made me want to work even harder than before.”
The judges included: Cllr Stephen Bunney, Chairman of West Lindsey District Council; Amanda Bouttell, Senior Project and Growth Officer – Employment and Skills Enterprise and Communities, and Gainsborough business owner Baz Hunter.
The three Highly Commended Young Traders included:
- Meghan Barnard of Handmade Jewellery by Meghan
- Chelsea Stringer – The Stringer Edit
- Natalie Cass of Natalie Cass Art
- Aimie Holmes
- Despina Tamboura
