Three East Lindsey beaches have been recognised as amongst Britain’s best, as they are announced as winners of the prestigious Blue Flag and Seaside Awards for summer 2025.
Entering its 38th year, the award is given by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognising beaches and sites that have met the high standard required to be presented with a Blue Flag Award, which in East Lindsey are Mablethorpe, Skegness, and Sutton on Sea.
Blue Flag is an environmental education programme managed by Keep Britain Tidy on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education.
It is only presented to beaches with water which has achieved the highest classification as set by the EU Bathing Water Directive and has an environmental education programme. To qualify, each applicant must meet and maintain a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria.
Cllr Martin Foster, portfolio holder for operational services at East Lindsey District Council said: “We are absolutely delighted that Mablethorpe, Skegness, and Sutton on Sea have once again been recognised with Blue Flag Awards.
“It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our local teams, volunteers, and communities who take such pride in our coastline and shows how much effort goes into keeping our beaches clean, safe, and welcoming.
“These awards not only highlight the exceptional quality and cleanliness of our beaches but also reinforce East Lindsey as a top destination for residents and visitors.”
Keep Britain Tidy’s chief executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: “In England we are lucky enough to have some of the best beaches in the world. It’s wonderful to see the flags flying proudly over 3 beaches in East Lindsey, demonstrating their quality to residents and visitors alike.
“The awards are a credit to the collective efforts of beach and site managers, volunteers, residents and businesses who should take pride today in their tireless efforts to maintain, protect and improve some of our best-loved and most popular blue spaces.
“Visitors to a beach flying a Blue Flag can be assured the beach will be clean, safe and meet the highest environmental standards.”
New bin lorries to carry vital messages
Five colourful new refuse collection lorries carrying health and wellbeing messages are taking to the roads of South Kesteven.
The district council’s fleet already includes a pink lorry promoting breast cancer awareness and a blue lorry for prostate cancer.
Joining them will be freighters supporting five more major charities: Royal British Legion, Samaritans, Bowel Cancer UK, Kidney Research UK, and Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
Each is painted in the distinctive brand colours of the organisation whose messages they carry.
Council lorry supplier Dennis Eagle has supported the initiative with the bespoke paint finish on the freighters, which were already on order as part of the depot’s normal turnover.
Cllr Ashley Baxter, leader of South Kesteven District Council, said: “The charities we are supporting do life-saving work, each in their own way. It’s a privilege to be able to help get their messages out to residents via these new refuse vehicles.
“Our lorries are highly visible and visit every corner of our district. Our crews tell us that the public are really interested and engaged when they see them out and about. The arrival of the new wagons will provoke further conversations and hopefully make people more aware of the work of the various partner charities.”
Image credit: South Kesteven District Council
Gainsborough festival attracts public funding boost to support local arts
The Go Festival will return to Gainsborough on 14 June, with expanded programming and additional public funding aimed at boosting community engagement and creative output in the area. West Lindsey District Council secured funding from Arts Council England, enabling professional artists to collaborate with local groups through pre-festival workshops.
Supported by both Arts Council England and Gainsborough Town Council, the festival is expected to draw visitors with a full-day schedule of cultural programming in the town centre. Performances include interactive theatre, contemporary dance, community showcases, and family-friendly attractions such as storytelling installations and market stalls.
Local organisations like the Rotary Club and Trinity Arts Centre contribute to the line-up, while the extended programme underlines the region’s push to develop a more vibrant cultural economy. The festival will run from 11am to 7pm and aims to stimulate foot traffic, support creative businesses, and reinforce Gainsborough’s cultural infrastructure.
Organisers expect the event to build on the momentum from previous years while offering new opportunities for artist collaboration and community-led content. The initiative reflects growing recognition of the arts as a catalyst for local economic activity and civic engagement.
Image source: West Lindsey District CouncilSkydive campaign gains business boost to support Ukrainian children
A Lincolnshire-based charity initiative is scaling up efforts to support children in war-torn Ukraine. Twenty volunteers have signed up to take part in a tandem skydive fundraiser this May. The Boston Skyjive group, now in its third year, has seen participation quadruple since last year’s event.
Backing the initiative this year is Greencore, a food manufacturing company headquartered in Spalding, which is sponsoring 10 of its employees to join the skydive. Each participant will raise a minimum of £200 for Voices of Children, a Ukrainian charity providing psychological and physical support to children impacted by the ongoing war.
Greencore’s involvement includes a direct financial contribution and internal staff mobilisation for the skydive. Volunteers will cover their own skydive costs in addition to fundraising targets.
To date, the group has raised £12,800 for the charity through previous events. With expanded participation and corporate support, organisers aim to boost donations significantly this year.
The skydives will take place on 28 and 29 May at Hibaldstow Airfield near Brigg. Funds will aid the charity’s work across Ukraine, including frontline psychological services, rehabilitation programmes, and summer camps backed by the Ukrainian First Lady.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Joggie BotmaAshfield Park welcomes visitors to relaxed coffee morning
Ashfield Park, a charming community for the over 45s, is welcoming visitors on Thursday 29th May for a relaxed coffee morning.
Tingdene Parks will be putting the kettle on, having a few chats, and opening the doors so you can take a look around and see if park home living feels right for you.
Nestled on the outskirts of Scunthorpe with views over the Lincolnshire countryside, explore the move-in-ready homes at Ashfield Park and meet friendly residents.
Whether you’re just curious or thinking ahead, come and say hello.
For details and to register your interest visit: tingdene-parks.net/open-days-at-ashfield-park
South Holland District Council secures Age-friendly Community status
South Holland District Council has been named an Age-friendly Community, after a successful application to the UK Network of Age-friendly Communities.
An Age-friendly Community is a place that enables people to age well and live a fulfilling later life. It is a community where individuals can continue living in their homes, participate in valued activities, and contribute to their communities for as long as possible.
To celebrate South Holland’s Age-friendly status, the council is hosting three launch events on June 11 in collaboration with partner organisations. The launch events will take place at the following locations and times:
- Spalding – Tonic Health Wellbeing Hub: 10am – 2pm
- Holbeach – Tonic Health Wellbeing Hub: 1pm – 5pm
- Pinchbeck Community Hub: 11am – 3pm
Sunflowers offer low-effort, high-impact value for summer landscaping
UK businesses in the landscaping, gardening supply, and outdoor retail sectors may want to capitalise on the seasonal push to sow sunflowers—an easy-to-grow flower with high visual appeal and ecological value. With the sowing window open through late May, now is a commercially strategic time to promote sunflower seeds and related products.
Sunflowers are a fast-growing, low-maintenance option that thrives when planted directly into garden beds. They flourish in sheltered locations with adequate support, often reaching heights of five to twelve feet. Their large, colourful blooms are visually striking and serve practical purposes: they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, and their seed heads later provide food for birds.
For businesses serving amateur gardeners, sunflowers are a proven favourite due to their ease of cultivation and strong visual payoff during the summer months. Multi-headed and branching varieties offer extended blooming periods and more garden impact per plant, making them an efficient choice for customers seeking high returns with minimal effort.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/gpointstudioLincolnshire invests in sand clearance upgrades for coastal walkways
East Lindsey District Council is allocating additional capital and operational funds to address ongoing sand accumulation on pedestrian walkways in coastal towns like Sutton on Sea and Mablethorpe.
The investment includes purchasing specialist machinery and recruiting two new staff members to manage sand removal more efficiently. These measures aim to maintain access and safety for both residents and visitors, particularly after stormy weather increases the amount of sand displaced onto promenades.
The council confirmed the funding is being finalised and is part of a broader effort to implement long-term maintenance strategies rather than short-term fixes. The ongoing sand build-up has presented operational challenges for businesses operating near affected beaches, underlining the commercial importance of a sustainable solution.
Image: Sutton-on-Sea – credit: Stock.adobe.com/mparrattThree East Lindsey beaches to fly Blue Flags again this summer
The Princess Royal to attend 140th Lincolnshire Show
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal is to attend this year’s Lincolnshire Show, which is back for the 140th time on 18th and 19th June 2025.
Television presenter Matt Baker MBE, best known for his work on BBC’s Blue Peter, Countryfile and The One Show, will also be attending the event, which has announced an inspiring programme of events and performances.
Brand-new Main Ring act, the Knights of Middle England, a professional team of stunt riders, performers, actors and combatants, will be bringing an action-packed performance, and all things countryside will be showcased at the Show’s new Rural Voices Stage.
The Lincolnshire Show beach, using sand sourced from the Lincolnshire coast, and the Garden Show, which were both introduced for last year’s event, are set to return – bigger and better than before – as well as long-standing favourites including the Shetland Pony Grand National, LAS Schools’ Challenge, Floral Arts Competition and visits from canine friends with Jerry Green Dog Rescue.
The Lincolnshire Show is a celebration of all things Lincolnshire and rural life, with around 60,000 people expected to attend the two-day event.
Charlotte Powell, chief executive of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, said: “The Lincolnshire Show is always a significant event for the county, but it feels extra special this time as we celebrate our 140th Show.
“From the very first Show in 1869, the event has been a source of pride and celebration for everyone involved with the county of Lincolnshire, and we can’t wait for everyone to see all the hard work that has gone into this year’s event.
“It will be an absolute pleasure and honour to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and Matt Baker MBE as guests for this year’s Show, as we once again celebrate all things Lincolnshire with tens of thousands of visitors.
“There will be familiar favourites, new attractions, exhibitors offering tasty local food and drink, and activities for all the family to enjoy. Whether it’s the vast range of farm animals and competitions that pique your interest, or the jaw-dropping displays and demonstrations, the 2025 Lincolnshire Show has something for everyone!
“We look forward to welcoming you all to what is sure to be another unforgettable Lincolnshire Show.”
The Princess Royal, who previously served as president of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society and now holds a Lifetime Membership, will attend the Show on Wednesday 18th June, while Matt Baker will be attending on Thursday 19th June.
The new Rural Voices Stage, which spotlights all things countryside, will offer engaging panel discussions and expert-led networking, allowing people working in agriculture and related industries to deepen their knowledge of British farming, land management and sustainability.
Foodies will also be able to watch a series of masterclasses and demonstrations at the popular Lincolnshire Kitchen, as well as enjoying some of Lincolnshire’s finest food and drink with F.A.B and Good Grub Co. at Stockman’s bar.
Organised by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society (LAS), a charity dedicated to championing the importance of food, farming and the countryside, the iconic Lincolnshire Show is a family-friendly day out that draws 60,000 visitors every year – including 6,000 school children and over 500 exhibitors. There are also around 2,500 animals at the Show each year. It is located just four miles from Lincoln city centre and spread out over 270 acres at the Lincolnshire Showground.
With Lincolnshire home to more than 4,500 farms, the Show remains true to its roots with a strong focus on farming and agriculture. All funds raised through ticket sales are invested in the LAS’ charity work, including the LAS Education Programme, and are reinvested in producing the Show each year.
APSS Group raises £650 for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance at annual charity golf day
The APSS Group, incorporating both APSS and TPS Office Furniture, has raised £650 for the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance during its annual Mini Ryder Cup Golf Day, held at Lincoln Golf Club in Torksey.
Now in its fourth year, the much-anticipated event brought together APSS staff, suppliers, and customers for a fantastic day of golf, networking and fundraising. The day was not only a celebration of friendly competition, but also a meaningful way to give back to a local lifesaving service.
The fundraising came through a charity raffle, with prizes kindly donated by Elite Office Furniture, Galaxy Insulation and Dry Lining Limited, Troax Group, Howdens, Shaw Contract, Nash Glass Ltd, 360 Recruitment Limited, and Lincoln Golf Club.
Among the standout prizes were a supercar driving experience, a five-hob induction burner, and a helicopter ride – a fitting tribute to the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance.
Richard Mycroft, Managing Director at APSS, said: “It was a brilliant day all round – great company, great golf, and all for a fantastic cause.
“The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance is a charity that means a lot to us. You never know when you or someone you love might need them. They provide critical care in the most urgent of situations, and we’re proud to support the incredible work they do.”
The APSS Group extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part and contributed to the day’s success. The event continues to grow each year, uniting the APSS community while supporting a cause that truly makes a difference.
