- Boygrift, 2 to 7 May.
- Mablethorpe, 6 to 9 May.
- Trusthorpe, 8 to 16 May.
- Sutton on Sea, 15 to 17 May.
- Huttoft, 17 to 31 May.
- Trunch Lane, 22 May to 27 May.
- Ingoldmells, 22 May to 27 May.
- Wolla Bank, 26 May to 30 May.
- Wolla Bank/Chapel Six Marshes, 19 May to 4 June.
Thousands of tonnes of sand will bolster Lincolnshire coastline’s flood defences
Over the next seven weeks about 400,000 cubic metres of sand will be topped up on beaches between Saltfleet and Gibraltar Point to help reduce the risk of flooding for Lincolnshire’s coastal communities.
The Environment Agency’s annual beach management sees sand dredged from licensed areas of the seabed pumped onto the beach to replace levels naturally lost to the sea throughout the year. This reduces the risk of flooding for 20,000 homes and businesses, 24,500 static caravans and 35,000 hectares of land.
Replenishing the sand means that the beaches, instead of hard defences like sea walls, take the brunt of the waves’ force and energy. This reduces the amount of damage and erosion to those hard defences and lessens the risk of water overtopping them.
The Environment Agency has been restoring sand levels on the Lincolnshire coast every year since 1994. In addition to reducing flood risk, the work brings supplementary social and economic benefits by retaining the sandy beaches for a vibrant tourism industry.
Deborah Higton, Flood Risk Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “As well as reducing the risk of flooding to 20,000 homes and businesses, 24,500 static caravans and 35,000 hectares of land,the work helps maintain the county’s sandy beaches for us all to enjoy.
But despite our best efforts, flooding can still happen. That’s why we urge people to prepare and plan for the worst, including by signing up to receive free flood warnings.”
The work started at Boygrift, and will progress along the coast in stages at roughly these dates, which are subject to change:
Councillor speaks out against ‘industrialisation of Lincolnshire’
Lincolnshire County Councillor Colin Davie has spoken out against plans by National Grid and Osean to run a further three lines of electricity cables under the county, and to develop a substation at Alford that will be bigger than the town itself.
In a statement at the council’s Executive he said: “In January National Grid announced plans to run a 140km line of 50m high electricity pylons through the Lincolnshire countryside, from Grimsby in North East Lincolnshire to Walpole, just over the Norfolk border. We have been extremely clear about our objection to this proposal.
“We have since received details of two proposals from National Grid and one from Osean which will see three further cabling routes and infrastructure coming onshore in Lincolnshire. Once again, the proposals involve cables running under the sea all the way from Scotland, coming on land in Lincolnshire to take power primarily to London and the Southeast.
“Whilst burying cabling underground has obvious benefits over large-scale above-ground infrastructure, with National Grid planning to carve up Lincolnshire through so many projects, we need to look at the cumulative impacts of all of these proposals and the detrimental impacts they will have on our landscape and the mental health of our residents.
“This is industrialisation of the Lincolnshire coast is on a scale we have never seen before. A substation proposed for Alford, for example, has a larger footprint that the town itself.
“If all these proposals were taken as one application by a planning authority, it would be refused due to the sheer scale of it and the impact, irreversibly changing to character of the county.
“We will not accept this piecemeal approach to development. It is our job to champion Lincolnshire and fight for the landscapes and the communities that would be affected so hugely by these proposals.
“Instead, we proposed that National Grid look to install this infrastructure offshore. This would be the most sustainable, secure, and cost-effective option and would mean the power could come onshore precisely where it is most needed, and not channelled through vast swathes of the countryside.
“I will be writing to councils in the East Anglia – who are in much the same position – so that we can put on a united front against these plans.”
These projects will be classed as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, so planning permission will be decided by the government, and not Lincolnshire County Council or the district councils.
Wolds Outdoor Festival returns this weekend until the end of May
The Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival returns at the weekend with more than 100 events and activities to celebrate the natural beauty of this special landscape, many of which are free or at reduced cost.
From fly-fishing to gliding, dancing in nature, sea dipping at Anderby Creek, a pop-up theatre in Spilsby and Jurassic Wolds at Horncastle and South Ormsby, there is something taking place for all ages across the length and breadth of the Wolds.
The festival includes a number of themed walks include dog walks, fruit farm walk, ice cream walk, Louth flood walk, birdwatching walk, wellbeing walks, nature walks, village and town trails and much more.
There is a Festival Activity Day at Stourton Woods from 10am-4pm on Sunday 12 May which includes archery and axe throwing, bushcraft and foraging, free-movement in woodland, a football shoot out, bat tours, farm safaris, walks and much more.
Councillor Adam Grist, Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and the Rural Economy at East Lindsey District Council, said: “The beautiful Wolds are a real gem in Lincolnshire’s crown. Anyone who lives, works or visits the Wolds knows how special a landscape it is.
“I am delighted that the Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival will give even more people an opportunity to enjoy the Wolds, learn about its history and the communities which thrive there.
“The schedule of events really provides something for all interests and also support the wellbeing of residents and visitors by enjoying a social activity in the great outdoors.
“You never know, you may discover a new hobby or skill as well as finding out more about local businesses and producers based in the Wolds.
“Have a look at the action-packed programme for yourselves and take the opportunity of trying one of the many free or reduced-cost events during the festival. You never know what you will discover!”
The festival – on until Bank Holiday Monday 27 May – is organised by a steering group of organisations, including: Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service, The Ramblers, Active Lincolnshire, Stourton Estates, South Ormsby Estate, Lincolnshire County Council, East and West Lindsey District Councils; with East Lindsey District Council serving as lead delivery partner.
The festival aims to encourage people to visit and explore the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, take part in a range of organised activities and learn more about its history.
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance runners pound the streets to raise vital funds for life-saving charity
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) have given a big thank you to everyone who donned their running shoes during April to take part in one of three long distance running events and collectively raised a staggering £49,600 to date.
This amazing accomplishment started with the London Landmarks Half-Marathon on 7 April. 15 runners competed in the race and raised £7,518 for LNAA.
The Lincoln 10k on 14 April saw 288 people, including 250 runners from the University of Lincoln, join forces to run the picturesque route around some of Lincoln’s most iconic landmarks in aid of LNAA’s life-saving work. Together they raised £11,366.
And finally on 21 April, 11 runners laced up their trainers and competed in the London Marathon, raising an incredible £30,000.
LNAA Events Manager Georgia Watson said: “What can we say but thank you to everyone who took part in one of these three challenge events and raising such an unbelievable amount of money. The support from every one of our runners has funded 12 potentially life-saving missions.”
Kate Ray, one of the London Marathon Runners, said: “It was absolutely incredible atmosphere and an amazing day to share with many doing something amazing to help so many good causes. I felt so privileged to run in aid of a very special charity – one that’s there to help on the worst day of someone’s life.”
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance receives no direct Government funding and relies on the generosity of people, organisations and communities in Lincs & Notts to fund the £13million needed this year to keep the iconic helicopter and two critical care cars operational.
Participating in one of LNAA’s challenge events is one way to get involved, push yourself to the limits and raise vital funds. More details: ambucopter.org.uk/find-an-event/challenge-events/
Laceby Manor develops new luxury lodge park
With wellness tourism forecast to grow by 16.6% annually and 94% of travellers incorporating self-care into their travels,* Lincolnshire’s Laceby Manor Golf and Spa Resort is enhancing its position to deliver UK wellness staycations with a new development of luxury lodge properties.
Set within 150 acres of grass and woodland, the sustainability-conscious resort is nestled on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and has been completely transformed over the past decade, thanks to continual investment in the golf course and club house, introduction of an award-winning spa and the addition of two restaurants, a fully-equipped gym and multiple on-site accommodation types.
Its newest restaurant, the adults-only Oak Room Restaurant, sits within the Spa gardens with beautiful views over the golf course and additional outdoor seating for al fresco dining in the summer. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner with seasonal menus, a well-stocked wine wall and premium cocktails.
The Oak Room Pizzeria is a more casual dining option, open to adults and well-behaved children aged 11 and over. Freshly-fired sourdough pizzas are served by the inviting log burner or al fresco in the summer. On-site guests can order from the Oak Room Pizzeria to collect for in-lodge dining.
For those looking for an investment property, a weekend escape or a retirement retreat, the development of a new luxury lodge park is now underway with one and two-bedroomed lodges available for sale. Each fully furnished accommodation is bought with everything included, from TVs and appliances to bedding, linen and furniture.
With a 12-month season, lodge owners have the freedom to arrive any time, 365 days a year, or sublet using the fully managed rental service, backed by Landal Greenparks. Each lodge owner also receives two golf and gym memberships with member access included to the award-winning spa.
Laceby Manor Golf and Spa Resort will be showcasing a lodge at this year’s Lincolnshire Show on 19 & 20 June – stand no. 6-17.
Find out more at lacebymanor.co.uk/own-a-lodge
*Global Wellness Institute and Forbes
For those looking for an investment property, a weekend escape or a retirement retreat, the development of a new luxury lodge park is now underway with one and two-bedroomed lodges available for sale. Each fully furnished accommodation is bought with everything included, from TVs and appliances to bedding, linen and furniture.
With a 12-month season, lodge owners have the freedom to arrive any time, 365 days a year, or sublet using the fully managed rental service, backed by Landal Greenparks. Each lodge owner also receives two golf and gym memberships with member access included to the award-winning spa.
Laceby Manor Golf and Spa Resort will be showcasing a lodge at this year’s Lincolnshire Show on 19 & 20 June – stand no. 6-17.
Find out more at lacebymanor.co.uk/own-a-lodge
*Global Wellness Institute and Forbes HETA celebrates record achievement rates and success of learners
Humberside Engineering Training Association is “proud of another significant achievement” as it announces record-high qualification achievement rates for its Level 3 Apprenticeship Programmes.
Established in 1967 by employers, for employers, the not-for-profit organisation has reached an all-time high in its success metrics but has also secured a prestigious position among the top 10 in the UK for Engineering & Engineering Construction training. The latest figures reveal that HETA’s achievement rates have soared, standing an impressive 20% above the national average. This remarkable feat underscores the organisation’s dedication to providing quality training, bridging crucial skills gaps, and facilitating sustainable employment opportunities for young individuals entering the industry. Iain Elliott, CEO of HETA, expressed his immense pride in the accomplishments of the HETA team, stating: “I am incredibly proud of our team’s hard work and dedication, which has culminated in these outstanding achievement rates. At HETA, we are deeply committed to equipping our learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in Industry.” Going on to emphasise HETA’s ongoing mission to address the skills gap prevalent in the industry and to empower young people with the tools they need to secure meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities, he added: “Our focus on delivering quality training not only benefits the individuals we train but also contributes to the overall strength and resilience of the industries we serve.” HETA remains committed to enhancing its curriculum to effectively address the evolving needs of the region. Recognising the importance of decarbonisation and the advancements of Industry 4.0, HETA continues to focus on developing learning modules that equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to gain an understanding about these areas. By integrating decarbonisation strategies and Industry 4.0 principles into its curriculum, HETA ensures that its apprentices are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the workforce while also fostering sustainability and innovation within the region’s industries. HETA’s success comes at a crucial time when industries across the UK are facing significant challenges in recruiting skilled workers. By consistently surpassing national averages and ranking among the top institutions for Engineering & Engineering Construction training, HETA continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the workforce of the future. As HETA celebrates these record achievements, the organisation remains steadfast in its commitment to providing innovative training solutions and fostering a skilled workforce capable of driving economic growth and prosperity in the Yorkshire and Humberside region and beyond. Image: Stock.adobe.com/pressmasterAn academic route for the ambitious at Queen Ethelburga’s College (QE)
QE College is known globally for its consistently high-ranking league table positions, placing 2nd nationally for A Level Results in the Sunday Times Parent Power 2023, with 98.8% A*-B grades achieved.
One of two senior schools for Years 10-13 at QE, the College offers an academic pathway tailored towards aspirational careers and competitive next steps where students get hands-on experience in their passions, compete nationally in competitions, undergo research projects, and become independent learners who can communicate their ideas with confidence.
Undertaking QE’s academic pathway supports students to develop key skills and knowledge within specific fields of interest. Students choose from an extensive range of academic pursuits within the Stretch and Challenge programme including psychology, law, debate, medicine and veterinary, linguistics, esports, journalism, young leaders, economics, tycoon in schools and the student investor challenge.
Academic pathway students receive an assigned UCAS Mentor along with access to a team of expert career advisors who assist them with university applications, interview preparation and technique, entrance exams, finding work experience, writing personal statements and choosing the right course. Those applying for competitive university places receive a high level of extra support within the Early Applicant Programme and can attend guest speaker lectures on topics such as applying to and studying at Oxbridge.
QE recognises that the university market can be highly competitive and so encourage students to set themselves apart from their peers by participating in an extra-curricular offering of over 100 activities. Many students also undertake an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) where they research, write and present on a topic of interest to them.
QE offers a broad itinerary of workshops and lectures on life skills from building effective study habits and coping with exam stress to cooking and managing finances at university. There are also seminars and workshops delivered by alumni, professionals, entrepreneurs and changemakers.
One of the most effective initiatives is The QE Study Toolkit which prepares students for lifelong learning through teaching the most effective methods for study and revision.
QE College is a diverse and engaging school for ambitious academics. For more information on QE’s Academic Pathway, visit www.qe.org or email admissions@qe.org for a private tour.
Gainsborough kids invited to become explorers
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
Grantham Market Place refurbishment begins next week
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
High-tech Lincolnshire agricultural initiatives win financial backing from Government
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.”
