Art trail transforms Grantham into a gallery

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Art trail transforms Grantham into a gallery
Grantham is becoming an art gallery – and residents are being asked to play their part. A project to share the beauty and creativity of art is under way at venues across the town, including the Leader’s office at South Kesteven District Council (SKDC). Grantham Creates was awarded £4,965 towards the initiative from the SKDC Community Fund to organise and produce community and amateur artwork displays in empty units and shop windows. The idea of Grantham as a Gallery is to add to the amount of display space already available in the town. Darren Whiting, the force behind Grantham Creates, said: “We have agreed with local shops and businesses to show art in many forms including 3D models, paintings and prints. “This will allow people to see what can be created by local amateur and professional artists and community groups that have been working across the area.” Those taking part in this long-term project to promote a trail of creativity and encourage public participation include Darren’s Union Street Gallery, Bhive, Grantham Museum, Pendulum Gaming, The George Centre, Kitchen & Coffee, and The Reading Room, who have given over window space. Models for Heroes and Outwood CIC will have also been involved in creating the artwork. SKDC Council Leader Cllr Ashley Baxter said: “Art should be for everyone. People will be able to see how it brings colour and life to the streets of Grantham and I’m pleased to be able to take part by inviting people into the council offices to see what’s here. “I’ve borrowed this huge canvas, now on public display here at South Kesteven House in the heart of Grantham, which people can see up close if there are no meetings in progress. “I hope we see more and more of this relatable, uplifting and colourful art from our local artists scattered across Grantham, and further across the district in due course.” The grant will fund multiple display stands to display the art, a projector to increase the size of the piece of art to allow more people to see it on display, and a printing press to create articles and allow them to fill window displays. Many of those taking part in displays will also join in the making process. To participate in creating art, or to offer display space, drop into the Union Street Gallery in Grantham. The artwork on loan to Cllr Baxter’s office is ‘Welder’, a mixed media relief painting.   Picture shows Cllr Baxter with South Kesteven House artwork. Image credit: South Kesteven District Council

Stamford welcomes film industry professionals

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Stamford welcomes film industry professionals
Film industry professionals have been welcomed to Stamford as part of a project to attract production companies to South Kesteven. Producers, crew, location managers and commissioners saw a showreel of films and TV series shot locally – from The Crown to Frankenstein, Bridgerton and popular BBC series Strike. The Spotlight on South Kesteven Screen Industries Networking Event was organised by Lincolnshire County Council’s Visitor Economy Team. It’s part of a £55,000 Set-Jetting project funded by South Kesteven District Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Harlaxton Manor, Stamford, Burghley and Grimsthorpe Castle have all hosted major productions. Burghley Commercial Manager Philip Gompertz and Lucie VonCarthy, public access lead for Grimsthorpe Castle spoke of their experiences with advice on hosting. Filming in the district provides income for locations, plus attracts visitors increasingly influenced and attracted by film and TV show locations – worth £892m to the UK annually. The County Council is now preparing a guide to inform and support property owners who are interested in offering their locations, from contemporary homes to run-down farmyards. South Kesteven District Council tourism lead Josh Farmer said: “Our Set-Jetting project offers an exciting and valuable new direction for South Kesteven. It brings in money from film production companies and we know tourists love to visit film locations. “Too few people in the industry know where Lincolnshire is and the huge amount it has to offer for filming. This project is putting South Kesteven on the map.” Hayley Toyne, Growth Manager at Lincolnshire County Council, added: “Lincolnshire, and South Kesteven, have a great deal to offer the TV and Film Industry and we’re keen to present our area as ‘film friendly’ as possible. “Attracting more productions has many economic benefits, both pre and post filming, from the support services needed to host cast and crew, through to the promotional opportunities of seeing Lincolnshire on screen. “It’s important that we reach out to the screen industries using processes and terminology they recognise, and present the county as a viable, convenient, and exciting new location to explore. This initiative has been a great springboard to making that happen.”   Image shows Stamford. Credit: Stock.adobe.com/Nicola

Dementia UK helps tackle tough conversations around dementia with free clinics in Lincolnshire

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Dementia UK helps tackle tough conversations around dementia with free clinics in Lincolnshire
Nationwide and Dementia UK’s free face-to-face clinics are returning to Nationwide branches in Lincolnshire this March, offering specialist support in a safe, comfortable and private space for people to discuss any aspect of dementia. Hosted by Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses, the clinics are open to anyone impacted by dementia, offering life-changing support to families and individuals in the area. The clinics will take place over the next month, and appointments can be booked via Dementia UK’s website here. The clinics will offer practical and emotional advice on all aspects of dementia – from worries about memory problems, understanding a diagnosis and how the condition can progress to help with financial and legal issues. Ahead of the appointments, Dementia UK, the specialist dementia nursing charity, has shared tips on how to discuss dementia with a loved one and encourage them to visit their GP if they are showing signs or symptoms of the condition. Someone develops dementia every three minutes in the UK, and it is often a challenge to obtain an accurate diagnosis of dementia. Tackling tough conversations – tips on speaking to someone who is showing signs of dementia from Admiral Nurses:
  • Act – if the person suddenly becomes upset or frustrated with themselves, this can be a good opportunity to have a conversation with them about the symptoms they are experiencing and if they’d like support with seeking help
  • Explain – the signs and symptoms of dementia are often shared with other conditions. Explaining this, and encouraging the person to seek advice from their GP can be less daunting than suggesting they seek a diagnosis of dementia. You can also explain that a prompt diagnosis of dementia will help them seek the right support sooner
  • Support – seeking support can be tough, and people will appreciate help in arranging the appointment and attending it. You can also help them to keep a symptom diary which will support a healthcare professional to make an accurate and timely diagnosis
The Lincolnshire clinics are part of Nationwide’s social impact programme, Fairer Futures, which addresses three of the UK’s biggest social issues through charity partnerships – dementia (Dementia UK), youth homelessness (Centrepoint) and family poverty (Action for Children). Nationwide is funding 30 dementia specialist Admiral Nurse posts through Dementia UK, and is hosting 200 pop-up clinics in branches across the country. To book a confidential and in-person appointment with an Admiral Nurse in Lincolnshire, visit Dementia UK’s website here. The clinics will visit:
  • Lincoln, 325 High Street LN5 7DW – 18th, 19th and 20th March
  • Grimsby, 53 Victoria Street DN31 1UU – 25th, 26th and 27th March
Ruby Guild, Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK, said: “We’re looking forward to returning to Lincolnshire. Nationwide branches offer a safe and private space for people to access specialist support for dementia, and the Fairer Futures partnership is helping us bring face-to-face support to people in a familiar location.” Debbie Crosbie, Chief Executive Officer of Nationwide, said: “Nationwide wants to help people live their best life possible, for as long as possible. By working with Dementia UK to fund more Admiral Nurses and turning our branches into dementia clinics, we’re helping to tackle the country’s leading cause of death. “As a mutual, we work for the good of society as well as our members. We believe this and Nationwide Fairer Futures will change hundreds of thousands of lives for the better.”

Help select the soundtrack to Classic Ibiza’s birthday celebrations

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Help select the soundtrack to Classic Ibiza’s birthday celebrations
With the outdoor concert season drawing ever closer, the organisers of Classic Ibiza at Burghley House on Saturday 26 July have announced details of an extra-special track poll to mark its 10th birthday celebrations. This year they are asking for your help to select the tunes being performed by Urban Soul Orchestra, conducted by Stephen Hussey, and the show’s special guests, London Community Gospel Choir. This summer’s Classic Ibiza will see Urban Soul Orchestra perform more tracks than ever before in a set that is packed full of firm audience favourites. Insomnia by Faithless, Born Slippy by Underworld and Adagio For Strings by Tiësto are among the anthemic tunes sure to be given the full orchestral treatment. London Community Gospel Choir will bring a fresh dynamic to the first half of the show, creating a euphoric wall of sound with Urban Soul Orchestra in a performance not to be missed. The organisers have compiled a shortlist of 12 tracks in their repertoire for you to choose from that lend themselves perfectly to the addition of a gospel choir. The shortlisted tracks are: Blackwater (Octave One); Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless) (Crystal Waters); (I Wanna Give You) Devotion (Nomad); Lola’s Theme (The Shapeshifters); Praise You (Fatboy Slim); Saltwater (Chicane); Sun Is Shining (Bob Marley vs. Funkstar De Luxe); Sunchyme (Dario G); Unfinished Sympathy (Massive Attack); Where Love Lives (Alison Limerick, Frankie Knuckles, David Morales); Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad? (Moby); and You Got the Love (The Source ft. Candi Staton). Classic Ibiza’s Lisa Ward says: “Classic Ibiza has always been about reimaging iconic house tunes to create a unique musical experience that is truly memorable. This year we’ll be taking the show to a whole new level, with London Community Gospel Choir joining Stephen Hussey’s incredible Urban Soul Orchestra as our special guests. “Our annual track poll is a massive hit with our social media followers, so we want to do something extra-special to mark our 10th birthday celebrations. It gives our concertgoers the chance to feel part of the creative process – a true case of playing to your audience!” You can join Classic Ibiza’s 58,000 social media followers by placing your vote here. Voting is open until 21 April. The eight most popular tracks being added to the set will be announced shortly afterwards. Last year’s poll received over 5,000 votes. Tickets to Classic Ibiza at Burghley House are selling fast, with the venue already at 70% capacity. The show is proud to be supporting local charity, Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice. Visit classicibiza.co.uk for tickets and more information.   Image credit: David Evans Photography

18th-century pleasure gardens revival to take visitors back in time

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18th-century pleasure gardens revival to take visitors back in time

Spalding’s Ayscoughfee Hall and Gardens will be transformed into a unique recreation of an 18th-century pleasure garden later this month, for Ayscoughfee Enlightenment.

Taking place on the evenings of Friday 21 and Saturday 22 March, the event will invite thousands of residents and visitors to experience the Hall’s history brought to life through immersive theatrical performances, lantern-lit pathways, period music and artistic displays, offering the opportunity to experience the elegance of the Georgian era first-hand. There will be activities and attractions for the whole family, with performances from opera singers and a quartet, as well as a dance troupe giving the chance to try out Georgian court dances. Across the Gardens there will also be fire displays, art installations from local artists Nicki Jarvis and Liz Kelleher working with the local community and illuminated nightscapes including glowing pathways and even a mysterious grotto with a local folk tale to tell. Families will be able to take part in a storytelling trail and character-based scavenger hunt based around Spalding’s Georgian history, and Ayscoughfee Café will be open serving period-inspired refreshments. Visitors are encouraged to embrace the Georgian spirit by dressing in period-inspired outfits, with a special prize to be awarded to the best-dressed guest. Organised and ran by South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership’s Story Tellers programme, in collaboration with specialist historical production organisation Heroine City, Ayscoughfee Enlightenment is inspired by famous pleasure gardens like Vauxhall and Ranelagh, capturing their spirit through these live entertainment, cultural displays, and interactive activities.
  Photo shows Ayscoughfee Hall. Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Dave Porter Photos

Lincolnshire gets second free community paint store

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Lincolnshire gets second free community paint store

A new scheme at Louth Household Waste Recycling Centre will save residents money and give unused paint a new lease of life.

Lincolnshire’s second ‘Community RePaint’ scheme will enable people to donate their leftover paint to the store. Other residents and community groups can then take any paint they might need for their next DIY project for free. The new store follows the successful launch of the Grantham Community RePaint. Since its opening in December 2024, 1,000 litres of paint have already been stopped from going to waste. Cllr Daniel McNally, executive councillor for waste at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Each year 55 million litres of perfectly good paint is wasted across the UK. We see lots of it at our recycling centres – some of which has barely been used. “That’s why we wanted to step in and make a positive difference. By using our RePaint shops not only can you help to cut the amount of unnecessary paint wastage, you can also save money. “Alongside our successful Reuse Shop at Tattershall, this is another way we’re thinking differently about our waste, trying to reduce the amount we throw away and reuse items as many times as possible. “If you’ve got some leftover tins of paint, drop them off at either of our sites and give them a second life – it could save fellow residents or even local charities some cash.”
Residents looking to take advantage of the Community RePaint scheme – either by dropping paints off or taking any from the store – simply need to speak to a member of staff on site. Community RePaint is a UK-wide paint reuse network, sponsored by Dulux, with over 80 schemes operating nationally.
  Picture shows Cllr Daniel McNally, executive councillor for waste at Lincolnshire County Council, and Cllr Alex Hall, county councillor for Louth North, officially open the free community paint store at Louth Household Waste Recycling Centre. Image credit: Lincolnshire County Council

New Lincolnshire authority meets for first time

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New Lincolnshire authority meets for first time

Local powers and investment to support business, up-skill people, and improve highways and housing are key priorities of the new Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA).

Leaders of the three lead local authorities – Lincolnshire County Council and North and North East Lincolnshire unitary authorities – spoke of their ambitions for the future as they marked the first meeting of the GLCCA. Cllrs Martin Hill, Rob Waltham and Philip Jackson – all members of the GLCCA board – were addressing an audience of business leaders and representatives from local communities, MPs and colleagues following the inaugural meeting, which was held at Lincoln Cathedral on Thursday (March 6). They talked of the real possibilities that now exist across the whole of the Greater Lincolnshire footprint with a Mayor, to be elected on May 1, chairing an authority that can work to effect positive change. Giving an overview of the positive work that will begin in earnest by the GLCCA, Lincolnshire County Council Leader, Cllr Martin Hill said: “We’re now starting a new era in Greater Lincolnshire – erasing boundaries as we continue to strive to get the best for our residents and businesses. “Connecting companies, organisations and decision makers is key to making the most of these new powers and funding we have from the government. Our area contributes significantly to the nation and this deserves to be recognised – whether it’s our contribution to defence, food security or logistics. Being able to boost these areas not only benefits Greater Lincolnshire, but the whole country.” Cllr Philip Jackson spoke of the ‘economic powerhouse’ sectors of decarbonisation, offshore wind turbines, food processing, and ports and logistics and how the GLCCA can work with all business to enable and support continued growth. He said: “Over the last decade we have once again seen the great benefits of our position along the south bank of the Humber estuary, with regional, national and world-leading organisations creating opportunity and growth. As one of the GLCCA’s key priorities states, now is the time we can work to further turbo charge that growth for the benefit of all within Greater Lincolnshire.”
  Image credit: Lincolnshire County Council

Lincolnshire fire crews set up car washes to raise money for charity

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Lincolnshire fire crews set up car washes to raise money for charity

Lincolnshire fire crews are holding charity car washes and other events this spring, to raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity.

A number of car washes are already planned in March with more being scheduled in the coming weeks. Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, executive councillor for fire and rescue at the county council, said: “A big thank you to our fire crews who take the time to run events in their communities and raise money for a great cause. Consistently Lincolnshire events raise the most money of any county – and that’s also down to the generosity of our residents who support these efforts.” Station Manager, Lee Marsh, said: “The Fire Fighters Charity does incredible work to support current and ex-firefighters and their families. They support so many people in what can be a very challenging role. “Please do continue to support the events our community stations, and get your car cleaned this spring! The car washes are being sponsored by Autoglym nationally, but this year we have LGM Products that are very kindly sponsoring us here in Lincolnshire.” Events will take place at fire stations across Lincolnshire: 8 March – Binbrook, Bourne, Gainsborough, Grantham, Louth 9 March – Alford, Billingborough, Leverton, North Somercotes, Spalding 15 March – Kirton, Market Rasen 22 March – Corby Glen, Wragby Market Place On 6 April, firefighters from Wragby, Binbrook and North Hykeham will be taking on the Lincoln 10k in full fire kit. Charity donations can be made on Ben and Jake’s fundraiser for The Fire Fighters Charity JustGiving page.
  Image credit: Lincolnshire County Council

Bra banks launched in Lincolnshire libraries to support breast cancer research

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Bra banks launched in Lincolnshire libraries to support breast cancer research

Bra banks have arrived at Lincolnshire’s libraries to encourage members of the public to donate bras that they no longer need to raise vital funds for breast cancer research.

The bra banks have been installed in partnership with breast cancer charity, Against Breast Cancer. You can find bra banks at:
  • Boston Library
  • Gainsborough Library
  • Grantham Library
  • Horncastle Library
  • Keelby Library
  • Lincoln Central Library
  • Long Sutton Library
  • Mablethorpe Library
  • Skegness Library
  • Sleaford Library
  • Spalding Library
  • Stamford Library
Donated bras are sent for textile recovery, giving them a new lease of life and raising money for Against Breast Cancer, which they use to fund research. Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, executive member for culture at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Now, thanks to this scheme, when your old bra is done supporting you, it can go on to support vital research. “It’s nice to know that not only will your old bra be recycled, it’s making a difference for people living with breast cancer. And by having them in our libraries it gives people the opportunity to donate their bras to the scheme really easily.” Nicola Rogers, Lincolnshire Libraries partnership manager at GLL, said: “We’re really proud to be able to introduce this initiative in our county’s libraries and support this good cause. “As a charitable social enterprise, one of our core values is to respect the planet. To be able to recycle fabric, along with raising funds for and awareness of Against Breast Cancer is a ‘win, win’. “This is an initiative we are delighted to be supporting, and we hope to see lots of our residents use these bra banks while visiting us.”
  Picture shows Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, executive member for culture at Lincolnshire County Council, at Lincoln Central Library’s bra bank. Credit: Lincolnshire County Council

Daughter takes on marathon to thank rehabilitation ward

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Daughter takes on marathon to thank rehabilitation ward
A daughter of a committed runner will be lacing up her own running trainers to fundraise for a ward which helped with her dad’s recovery after life-changing surgery. Stewart Bibby, from Market Rasen, was admitted to Ashby Ward at Lincoln County Hospital after receiving major surgery to stop a bleed on the brain. When Stewart (58) arrived on the ward, he couldn’t walk or communicate, other than through facial expressions. The team supported Stewart with his recovery through physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy. Stewart said: “The team have been such a crucial part of my recovery and I cannot thank the team enough for the care and support they have given me. Not only have they helped me become myself again, they have also become my friends. “I must admit when I first arrived on the ward, I wasn’t the most well-behaved patient! I was placed under observation because I kept climbing out of bed and constantly falling over. For me, this was my turning point as I knew that something needed to change. I knuckled down, listened to the advice and focused on getting better. “Thanks to the team, I was discharged at the start of January and I am now back home with my family.” Ashby Ward provides rehabilitation to people with long-term neurological conditions, as well as those who have traumatic/acquired brain injuries and need complex rehabilitation. Patients, their families and carers are critical to the rehabilitation process and are heavily involved in contributing to the programme. To thank the ward for the support given to her dad, Stewart’s daughter, Nancy Bibby, will be running the Manchester Marathon on Sunday 27 April 2025 to raise money for the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity. The charity provides patients and staff with the extra items not funded through the NHS but which often make a massive difference. Nancy said: “My dad has always been into his running which is why I’ve chosen to raise money for the ward. The whole team have been incredible in helping my dad with this recovery. We’re so thankful that he has fully recovered and is back home with his family.” Ben Petts, United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity Manager, said: “We are so pleased that Stewart has recovered and returned home with his family. Thank you to Nancy for choosing to raise money for our charity which makes such a difference for our patients, visitors and hardworking colleagues in the NHS.” Ben added: “We’d like to wish Nancy all the best for the marathon!” To contribute to Nancy’s fundraiser, please visit the fundraising page.   Image credit: Google maps
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