The 6th Gainsborough Sea Scout Group recently opened an Explorer Unit (boys and girls aged 14 to 17). The reason for opening it was that some of the Scouts (boys and girls aged 10 to 14) wanted to move to the next section but the nearest Explorer Unit was difficult to get to, so they started their own unit.
In the short time they have been open, some of the activities they have done are archery, baking, camping, cooking, crate stacking, kayaking, and paintball. Activities they have planned for the next few months include a narrowboat camp, hikes in the Peak District and a triathlon.
When asked what they liked about Explorers, the young people said: “Sleeping in hammocks, meeting a diverse range of people, being involved in planning the programme and helping out with some of the younger sections.”
Jonathan Swatton, lead volunteer for the Scout Group, said: “The young people will learn skills such as teamwork, leadership, independence, resilience, responsibility, and self-confidence. They will also have a tremendous amount of fun and will be able to do activities they have not done before.” In a recent survey, 88% of Scouts said they tried activities in Scouts that they haven’t tried before.
The Unit, which meets on every other Monday at their headquarters in Love Lane, is looking for more volunteers. In a recent survey, 85% of people who volunteered said they had flexibility around their volunteering commitment and the same proportion would recommend their charity as a great place to volunteer.
For further information about the Unit, please contact Christopher.wright@gainsboroughscouts.org.uk
Work will start next week on a major transformation of Grantham Market Place into an accessible, public open space fit for the 21st Century.
The improvements will drive footfall in Grantham town centre and the market area – and create a multi-use, social space for local people and visitors in the heart of Grantham.
The roadworks will mean temporary changes to through routes for vehicles.
This includes closure of Market Place, Narrow Westgate and Conduit Lane, 24 hours a day for the duration of the work which begins on Tuesday, 7 May, and is expected to take 22 weeks.
Drivers will be asked to follow a diversion via High Street / A52 Wharf Road / Sankt Augustin Way / Barrowby Road / A607 / Brownlow Street / Watergate and vice versa. Union Street and Conduit Lane will remain open up to Greyfriars and the taxi rank.
A spokesperson for South Kesteven District Council said: “The Market Place improvement builds on current projects to improve shop fronts to enhance the appeal of the town centre, and SKDC’s work to encourage more affordable housing in the town centre through upper-floor conversions.
“The Council’s roles and responsibilities include showcasing everything that is great about our towns and attracting investment.
“The newly agreed Corporate Plan outlines an ambition to support a dynamic and growing local economy to the benefit of all our communities, and to make South Kesteven an attractive place to visit, work, invest, study and do business in.”
The £4.19 million of investment, secured from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund through a bid by South Kesteven District Council, will transform both the Market Place and the Conduit, where refurbished public toilets will be reopened. A second phase will improve the town approach from the railway station to create a pedestrian-led environment, with this work expected to start in November.
The Future High Streets Fund is for designated work and can only be used on this project. While work is under way, the historic street market will occupy more of Narrow Westgate.
Image credit: Google maps
Two high-tech agricultural businesses in Lincolnshire have been offered funding from a national £7.5 million pot to support innovation and growth.
An automated blueberry harvesting project led by Eyre Trailers in Coningsby, in partnership with the University of Lincoln, and a daffodil harvesting scheme at C Wright and Son in Gedney have each been offered around £300,000 as a share of £1.84m awarded to 12 projects across the east of England.
The money has come from the new Launchpads programme managed by Innovate UK which offers small and medium enterprises (SMEs) grants from £25,000 to £300,000 for R&D and innovation projects that focus on agrifood.
The Eastern England Launchpad is being supported by the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils.
Ten other successful projects across the area include novel biological defences against aphids, enhancing the fibre content of food and drink products, enhancements in crop breeding, and creating new types of plant-based food packaging.
The objective of the Eyre Trailers automated blueberry harvesting project, which stands to secure £299,693, is to develop and demonstrate a fully automatic machine for harvesting blueberries, one of the UK’s most important soft fruit crops.
The proposed machine will be fully automatic and will feature new berry removal and bush gripper systems. It will be designed to remove berries from the bush by the use of innovative shaking systems and should be available for widescale deployment by UK growers next year.
Blueberries are now the second largest soft fruit sold in the UK, with the industry expanding to meet demand, but still only has a 7% share of the market.
“We’re very privileged to have been offered the grant and to be working with the University of Lincoln, and we’re looking forward to bringing the project to fruition,” said Bob Eyre from Eyre Trailers. “Without this grant it would be difficult to bring this product to market, so we’re really grateful.
“Blueberry harvesting is very labour-intensive as growers are completely reliant on hand-picking. Finding the workers to do it is difficult and expensive, so everybody is looking to reduce the labour costs and make the job more viable. Currently lots of fruit is left unpicked because the growers can’t find the labour for the harvest.
“By the end of the project we aim to be manufacturing a machine that’s fit for purpose and that satisfies the blueberry growers. It will be quite a big growth area for us and it could really rejuvenate our business.”
The daffodil harvesting project, which has been offered £299,985, is being led by Autopickr in Cambridge with Lincolnshire grower C Wright & Son as a partner.
Horticulture has traditionally offered growers high incomes from small areas of land, but the total land area used for horticulture has declined by 15% since 2020.
To combat shortages of labour and high labour costs the project will develop a multi-functional robotic platform capable of horticultural tasks that cannot be automated using simple machines like tractors or harvesters.
An asparagus harvester has already been developed and will launch in the next three years, and growers have highlighted the fact that flower production, specifically daffodils, is another promising area in which to develop robotic capabilities.
The daffodil picker will feature a sophisticated robotic arm, a platform weighing less than 45kg, and an artificial vision system to recognise picked flowers for the arm to collect and transport.
Success in this project will lower labour costs for English growers and reduce barriers to the growth of daffodil production, which is a lucrative export market for growers.
“We are very pleased to have received funding for this project,” said Adam Cunnington from C Wright & Son. “Labour is getting hard to come by and any method of automating our harvest has to be the way forward. We have every faith in the project delivering automation to a much needed harvest operation.”
As we get older, some people find that their central vision unfortunately deteriorates markedly, with blurriness and shadowing. These effects cause difficulties in everyday life, whether it’s watching TV, or reading – even if reading glasses are used.
Some sufferers find too that it is often impossible for them to recognise faces: this can make socialising very difficult.
At the back of the eye there is an area called the macula which has to be in good health for us to see clearly in the centre of our vision. That area can deteriorate with advancing age, causing the problem of poor central vision. That’s why the problem is called Age-related Macular Degeneration, or AMD.
Recent scientific research has found that compounds called carotenoids have a great influence on the macula and on the brain as well. There are more than 700 carotenoids in nature. They are plant pigments found in brightly coloured fruits and in green leafly vegetables.
Three carotenoids are present in the macula in the eye: Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Meso-Zeaxanthin. Low levels increase the risk of developing AMD.
An impression of how Dry AMD can affect central vision, and gradually become more disabling.
Until recently, it is has been difficult to assess whether a person’s levels of carotenoids are adequate to protect the health of their eyes. New research has come up with a simple non-invasive way of assessing carotenoid levels: the ‘LifeMeter’ measuring device is the product of years of research.
It works by shining special light onto a forefinger and measuring the reflected light. The person being tested just has to put the tip of a forefinger into the reading device. After a few minutes, the test is complete.
The LifeMeter device being used to measure a patient’s carotenoid levels. The patient just puts a forefinger into the LifeMeter measuring instrument. There are no needles, and nothing to feel. The measurements are made by shining special lighting onto the finger.
If the person’s carotenoid levels are lower than recommended for continued eye health, food supplement tablets containing suitable carotenoids will be prescribed. Improvements in levels soon occur, and can be confirmed by further testing after about a month.
Carotenoid levels are not just important for eye health: they are now thought to influence brain health, and low levels may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
On Friday, 21 June, O’Brien’s Optician in Brigg is holding a by-appointment free clinic for evaluating patients’ carotenoid levels.
If you’d like to have your carotenoid levels measured, you’re invited to call 01652 653595 or 01652 649024 for your free-of-cost appointment.
Boston Borough Council have been successful in purchasing the former B&M site at the heart of the proposed Rosegarth Square development.
This strategic move empowers the Council to move forward with development proposals and bring forward the vision for the area utilising £14.8 million of Levelling Up funding.
The B&M store ceased operating a number of years ago and since then, the site has been earmarked for redevelopment. The area is an important part of the Council’s overall aspirations for the town centre regeneration.
Leader of Boston Borough Council, Cllr Anne Dorrian, said: “Improving the town centre is one of our top priorities and we are determined to push ahead to ensure our vision becomes a reality.
“Developing this large, derelict building is yet another piece in that transformation jigsaw. I am really pleased that we have been able to utilise government grant funding to purchase the former B&M site, and we have exciting ideas to ensure that the site makes a positive contribution to our town.”
Image – Boston, Lincolnshire – Stock.adobe.com/Tony
Almost 90 churches and chapels in West Lindsey throw open their doors from May 11th for the area’s Churches Festival, which is now in its 27th year.
The Festival offers visitors buildings located across the stunning landscape of the district, just north of Lincoln and encompassing Gainsborough, Caistor and Market Rasen.
The first weekend (11-12 May) will see 41 churches take part in the east of the district, with 47 churches opening for the second weekend (18-19 May) to the west.
Each church offers a unique experience, from stunning architecture; stained glass and fascinating wood carvings to historic monuments, graveyards full of stories and traditional church organs (some of which the public are welcome to play).
Many buildings are also located in the Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
And alongside all that heritage and landscape is the welcome church volunteers bring to the event, including their knowledge of local history, delicious homemade cakes and lunches, plant and book sales, flower displays, exhibitions and bell ringing.
Beth Sliwinski from Sheffield, a regular visitor to the event, explains why she travels to the event from Yorkshire said: “If ever a reason is needed to visit beautiful Lincolnshire, this is it. Every church provides its own treats – interesting architecture, friendly volunteers, delicious refreshments, picturesque churchyards – even the drives from one church to the next are a pleasure.”
Long-time visitor Lexie Brookes-Ashmore, from Caistor, says she enjoys the graveyards as well as the churches: “I have been visiting the churches festival since 2012, so this will be my 12th year! My best friend and I cancel all other plans for the festival (plus the September one) and always end the day with a picnic. We love the architecture and history as well as the many interesting graves.”
Highlights from this year’s Festival include:
Stepping back in time to the year 875, when Bishop Aelfnoth built his church at Stow, to serve as Mother Church for his Lincolnshire Diocese. St Mary’s, Stow is a treasure trove of beautiful artefacts and architecture. Other fine churches with Saxon origins can be found at Greetwell and Knaith.
Going forward to the Norman period there are the ironstone churches of Caistor, Nettleton, Market Rasen as well as Middle Rasen with its fine Norman Archway.
Two of the festival’s medieval ‘little gems’ not to be missed are St Oswald’s at Rand, on a deserted medieval village, and St Edith’s at Coates by Stow, with its 11th century rood loft and screen.
Lincolnshire couple Robert and Margaret Isdale have been honoured for their work as foster carers, having looked after more than 150 children during their fostering career.
The couple have been carers with Lincolnshire County Council since moving to the county in 1991, by which time they’d been fostering for ten years.
Now in their 80s, the couple have decided to retire from fostering, and they were honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the council’s annual fostering celebration.
Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell, executive councillor for children’s services, said: “Rob and Margaret have helped so many foster children to fulfil their potential over the years, so we wanted to celebrate all they’ve achieved. I hope they will inspire others to become foster carers and make a life-changing difference to a child in need.”
At the event, awards were also given to carers who have been fostering for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years, as well as those who have made a special contribution. Those who have shown outstanding commitment were also celebrated.
Lincolnshire has a diverse fostering community. Each application to foster is considered on an individual basis and you can be a foster carer regardless of your marital status, sexuality, employment status, ethnicity, or religion. However, you do need to have a spare bedroom for a child or young person to use.
Stamford is welcoming a new Poet Laureate for the town, with Caroline Avnit accepting the honour after a public contest to choose the winner.
Jasper Cairns was named Stamford Youth Laureate at the event at Stamford Arts Centre, which attracted a record crowd, showing the importance of the local poetry scene.
Stamford Laureate Caroline has been a poet since childhood, and will now embark on a range of performances, commissions and civic events during her year in office.
She said: “I feel so grateful to have been chosen as the Poet Laureate of Stamford.
“I absolutely love our beautiful town and am passionate about promoting it. I feel it is a privilege to continue the work that has been done by previous Poet Laureates, in putting Stamford on the map as a poetry destination, along with encouraging both the writing and appreciation of poetry in our town.
“I especially look forward to collaborating with local businesses and involving the community in more activities connected to poetry.”
Caroline has a background in psychology and religious studies, and has always been interested in writing about relationships, nature, the beauty found in the simplest moments of human connection and our relationship to the world around us.
The finalists took part in a live reading before a panel of judges as part of the annual Verse Festival, and the Laureate runner-up on the night was Emmy Jenkins.
New Youth Laureate Jasper Cairns said: “I’m very excited to be Stamford’s new Youth Poet Laureate and am eager to start writing as soon as possible! I think poetry is important now more than ever, so I can’t wait to share what I can offer with Stamford’s poetry scene.”
Both Caroline and Jasper will work closely with Stamford Arts Centre and Stamford Town Hall to support the popular local poetry scene.
Image shows Stamford. Credit: Stock.adobe.com/Nicola
British Steel has been given planning permission to build an Electric Arc Furnace at its Scunthorpe HQ as part of its proposed £1.25-billion transformation – its biggest in more than a century of steelmaking – which is subject to appropriate support from the UK Government.
British Steel President and CEO Xijun Cao said: “We’re extremely pleased to have received planning permissions to build Electric Arc Furnaces at our Scunthorpe and Teesside sites. It is a significant step forward in our journey to net zero and we thank everyone who has supported our plans.
“The proposed installation of EAFs in Scunthorpe and Teesside is central to our journey to a green future as they would help us reduce emissions of CO2 by more than 75 per cent. However, it is crucial we now secure the backing of the UK Government.
“Our owner, Jingye, is committed to the unprecedented investment decarbonisation requires and our desire to dramatically reduce our carbon footprint, coupled with challenging market conditions, means it is imperative swift and decisive action is taken to ensure a sustainable future for British Steel.
“We are committed to working with the UK Government and need to reach an agreement quickly so we can achieve our ambitious goals, secure thousands of jobs and keep making the steel Britain needs for generations to come.”
Significant preparation works, including environmental and technical studies, and equipment selection, are underway to ensure the company’s ambitious proposals can be delivered at the earliest opportunity while discussions with the UK Government continue.
Both proposed EAFs would replace the aging iron and steelmaking operations at British Steel’s Scunthorpe site which are responsible for the vast majority of its CO2 emissions. The company proposes maintaining current operations until a transition to electric arc steelmaking.
British Steel has started preliminary talks with trade unions about electrification, and has promised to support employees affected by its decarbonisation plans.
Xijun said: “We are confident our proposals will help secure the low-embedded carbon steelmaking the UK requires now and for decades to come.”
Ayscoughfee Hall Museum and Gardens have received nearly £1,000 in grant funding from East Midlands-based charity – Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) to help plant a new wildflower garden display, enhancing the already beautiful Gardens further for both residents and visitors.
The funding will come from PECT’s 30for30 Grant Fund, a celebration of the organisation’s 30th Anniversary, delivering support to community-led projects in and around Peterborough. The fund aims to support initiatives which enhance environmental sustainability and community engagement.
Taking place in an under-utilised part of the Gardens, the remedial work to create the wildflower display will take place in the Wilderness Garden. The finished display will provide an essential habitat for local wildlife such as bees and butterflies, aiming to increase pollination rates.
Alongside the environmental benefits, the finished display will also promote public health by drawing more residents and visitors to the Gardens, encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle.
Councillor Tracey Carter, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Communities and Operational Housing, said: “I’m very pleased to see that our team at Ayscoughfee have been successful in their application for grant funding, the new wildflower display will only enhance the Gardens further, ensuring they stay a vibrant hub for residents and visitors alike.
“Initiatives such as these are essential in maintaining and improving our public spaces and I’m sure this project will have long-lasting benefits… I can’t wait to see the finished result!”
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