£5m award to help commercialise Lincoln-led agri-tech research

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£5m award to help commercialise Lincoln-led agri-tech research

A new partnership led by the University of Lincoln, to develop a globally recognised agri-tech innovation cluster in the East of England, has received a major national funding award from Research England to advance commercialisation of research through new spin-out companies.

Agri-tech Commercialisation Ecosystems (ACE), a partnership project from the universities of Lincoln, Cambridge and East Anglia, has been awarded £5 million by the UKRI-Research England CCF-RED Fund. This will enable the creation of a national agri-tech ‘Technology Transfer Office’ and the new company Ceres Agri-Tech Ltd that will support the commercialisation of early-stage agricultural innovations. Ceres Agri-Tech is a collaborative initiative founded by and located at Cambridge Enterprise, the innovation arm of the University of Cambridge. The project targets key regional challenges, including low wages, workforce skills gaps, and climate resilience by supporting high-quality, inclusive employment and environmentally focused agri-tech innovation. Professor Simon Pearson, founding director of the Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology (LIAT) at the University of Lincoln, said: “We are thrilled that the ACE project has received a vital £5 million award from Research England, which will enable incredible growth within agri-tech and the creation of many new ‘spin-out’ businesses over the next decade and beyond. “Within the next 10 years, ACE aims to fund 95 research projects, create over 1,300 new jobs within the sector and bring a projected £506 million into the UK economy. “In a world where geopolitical instability, climate change and resource scarcity seem to be threatening food security, we now have a great opportunity to create an innovation cluster for the UK that will deliver positive economic, societal and environmental impacts for many years to come.” The ACE project will harness the agricultural and research strengths of Greater Lincolnshire, East Anglia, and Cambridgeshire, turning them into a globally competitive innovation cluster. The region’s dense concentration of crop production, agri-tech infrastructure, and civic support creates a unique platform for high-impact investment and sustainable food system development.
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/winexa

Military heritage project recruits local volunteers

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Military heritage project recruits local volunteers
South Kesteven District Council is offering volunteers a chance to research their own community’s airborne forces heritage. A free Airborne Ambassadors event is being held at the Wyndham Park Visitor Centre in Grantham at 10am on Saturday 7 June. Just a day after commemorations for the 81st anniversary of D-Day, the two-hour event is a chance to engage with the council’s Soldiers from the Sky project, made possible by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Volunteers can then pursue their own research into the district’s airborne history, and help foster pride in how South Kesteven hosted British, American and Polish paratrooper forces who trained locally for D Day and Arnhem and flew into battle from local airfields Paratroops underwent gruelling training marches, dropped from C-47 Dakota aircraft stationed on giant American airfields around Grantham, supped ale in local pubs, and stayed in properties commandeered as military accommodation
South Kesteven District Council Armed Forces champion cllr Bridget Ley said: “We have a wealth of information about this incredible chapter of South Kesteven’s military heritage, a largely untold story of allied airborne forces who gathered here to fight for freedom. “There are layers of heritage that we have yet to uncover, however, and we hope that our ambassadors can help us share even more of the stories that need recording before they pass from memory.” Project co-ordinators have mapped key locations across the district with airborne connections. Ambassadors can then share local information on village websites, via parish councils, local talks and via local schools.  
Image credit: Google maps

Grant funding offered to North Kesteven communities for VJ Day celebrations

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Grant funding offered to North Kesteven communities for VJ Day celebrations
Seven community celebrations and commemorations of VE Day in North Kesteven have benefitted from a grant fund made available to help deliver local activity. With the grant fund remaining open for further applications for events relating to the 80th anniversary of VJ Day in August, community and voluntary groups, charities and social enterprises with financial resources below £10,000 can still apply for up to £500 each to support local events that benefit communities. Funded activity must take place within a week either side of August 15 and be of benefit to North Kesteven residents. Deadline for applications is July 21. The seven events funded for VE Day were:
  • Anwick – towards catering, licensing, advertising and entertainment costs for a day of cinema screenings, village decorations and showcase of village memories on May 10.
  • Bassingham – towards decorations, catering and costs associated with a Brownie and Guides tea dance and afternoon tea on May 6.
  • Billinghay – towards food, decorations and a 1940s singer at a buffet following a parade and wreath laying on May 8.
  • Burton Pedwardine – towards the costs of a commemorative Tommy state bunting and flags for a village barbecue and quiz on May 5.
  • Greylees – towards food, entertainment and dance captain for a tea dance at the New Chapel on May 8.
  • Swaton – towards the costs of ice cream, drinks, bunting and planter displays through the village linked to a beacon lighting on May 8.
  • Walcott – towards food, decorations, drinks and promotion of an afternoon tea at the village hall on May 11.
Council leader cllr Richard Wright said it was clear that these small grants had made a significant difference in both initiating and broadening celebration events and activity, ensuring more people could participate in paying tribute to a generation of people who had contributed so much in the pursuit of freedom and peace. “A we saw, VE Day 80 was a wonderful opportunity to come together in celebration of what we have in common, and to use the occasion to reach out to neighbours, friends and our wider communities, and VJ Day brings that opportunity again,” he said. “The fund remains open through to July in order that communities can again acknowledge the significance of VJ Day in August that brought the war to its eventual end, and pay further tribute to all those who served in the Second World War, to reflect on the values that they were fighting for and to collaborate in joyful celebration of everything they secured through victory. “For those community groups that applied and were eligible, the grants made all the difference in promoting, providing and putting-on fun, inclusive, and reflective parties, activities and events for VE Day in order that victory could be sensed again.” Eligible costs include venue hire, promotional materials, decorations, and entertainment and the purchase of refreshments, but not alcohol, commemorative benches or structures.   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Robert L Parker

Pint of Science comes back to Lincoln

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Pint of Science comes back to Lincoln

16 University of Lincoln researchers will share their scientific discoveries during the world’s largest festival of public science, set to return to the city on Monday 19 May for a three-day celebration.

The festival aims to provide a space for researchers and members of the public to come together, be curious, and chat about research in a relaxed environment. Since its inception in 2013, the annual festival has grown to involve more than 25 countries and hundreds of cities around the world. In the UK, there are over 400 events held across 45 cities. The researchers will bring science out of the lab and into the pub, delivering talks over three nights in Lincoln venues including The Cardinal’s Hat, The Pessimist and DoughLoco, covering a plethora of topics – ranging from rewilding to nanotechnology, and social connection in sport. Talks will include “Children’s quest for justice: A peek into their moral world” – exploring how children navigate moral dilemmas and decide right from wrong, “Mum, Dad, donor: Mitochondrial disease and designer babies” – covering the groundbreaking technique of IVF using DNA from three parents, and “Exploring strange new worlds: How might Star Trek act as a blueprint for the colonisation of space?” – discovering whether or not the well-loved sci-fi series could provide us with a blueprint for interplanetary travel and the possibilities of living on another world. Kay Ritchie, associate professor in cognitive psychology at the University and Pint of Science lead for the University of Lincoln, said: “We’re really excited to bring Pint of Science back to Lincoln for our fifth year in our local venues. We’re looking forward to showcasing some University of Lincoln research in a fun and interactive way. With eight events across three nights, there’s something for everyone.” The Lincoln festival will also include Creative Reactions – a programme where science meets art to produce unique works of art, inspired by scientists’ research.
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Mirko Vitali

Apprenticeships to be celebrated in Lincolnshire

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Apprenticeships to be celebrated in Lincolnshire

Applications are now open as the Greater Lincolnshire Apprenticeship Champion Awards return for 2025.

Nominations are welcome to recognise apprentices of any age, in any job role, who have made significant progress, overcome challenges or have made a real difference to their organisation during their apprenticeship. The awards are also a chance for employers and training providers to showcase excellence and innovation throughout the apprenticeship journey by recognising trainers and mentors, or anyone who plays a substantial role in supporting apprenticeships. There are two employer categories this year to recognise the contributions both micro and small employers and large employers make to apprenticeships. Thea Croxall, strategic skills and employment manager at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Since these awards began, we’ve seen hundreds of examples where apprenticeships have made a real impact on both the individuals undertaking them, and the organisations they work within. “The awards are the perfect opportunity to celebrate these achievements and highlight the value of gaining qualifications whilst learning on the job. “I’m looking forward to see who will be nominated for this year’s awards and hearing even more fantastic success stories.” Nominations for the awards can be made until 12 noon on Monday 9 June. The Greater Lincolnshire Apprenticeship Champion Awards are run by Lincolnshire County Council in partnership with the Lincolnshire Public Service Compact group and North and North East Lincolnshire Councils and aim to shine a spotlight on the individuals and organisations driving apprenticeship success. The four categories for entries are: Greater Lincolnshire Apprentice Champion 2025, Greater Lincolnshire Trainer Champion 2025, Greater Lincolnshire Apprenticeship Employer Champion 2025 – Micro and Small Business, and Greater Lincolnshire Apprenticeship Employer Champion 2025 – Large Business. An awards event will be held in September 2025.
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/pauchi

Golden anniversary oak tree takes root in Sleaford

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Golden anniversary oak tree takes root in Sleaford
50 trees planted across North Kesteven are taking root, commemorating the District Council’s 50th anniversary. The final sapling to be planted, an oak located in a community green space off Sheldrake Road, Sleaford, represents the gold oak tree that features within the Council’s official crest. This oak was taken from the coat of arms of the East Kesteven Rural District Council, which was one of the three councils that merged on April 1, 1974, to form the new North Kesteven District Council. Ultimately it originated on the crest of Kesteven County Council, a predecessor of Lincolnshire County Council, representing the ancient forests of the old county. Mirroring the oak planted at Millennium Green, North Hykeham in April 2024 – the first of the 50 trees – oaks are also indicative of North Kesteven District Council’s strategic objective to significantly increase tree cover, habitat and growth within its climate action response. In total 15 species of tree have been planted at schools, pubs and churches, in cemeteries, areas of new housing and on village greens, playing fields and within established woodland with advice on suitability from the district tree officers. Council chairman cllr Andrew Hagues said: “This tree, like the oak on our shield, represents the strength and resilience that have been the hallmarks of our District. “As this sapling takes root, it embodies the growth and prosperity that we have nurtured together. It will stand as a living monument to our past, a beacon of hope for our present, and a seed of potential for our future. “Let this tree planting be a gesture of our commitment to the environment and to the people of North Kesteven. May this oak grow tall and strong, mirroring the steadfastness of our Council, may it grow and prosper, as communities and councils shall, for many years to come; and may it serve as a reminder of our rich heritage and the fertile future that lies ahead.”
  Image credit: North Kesteven District Council

Community called on to nominate local heroes for Boston campaign

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Community called on to nominate local heroes for Boston campaign
Boston Borough Council is calling on the community to nominate local heroes for the 2024/2025 Boston Heroes Campaign. This event honours individuals from diverse backgrounds who have demonstrated exceptional kindness and made significant contributions to the community, either through volunteering or in their personal endeavours. The award categories include Lifetime Achievement, Group Champion, Individual Champion, and Young Person of the Year 2024/5. Councillor Emma Cresswell, portfolio holder for communities and people, said: “I have always been impressed by the sheer number of nominations and the overwhelming support this campaign has received in the past years. “This initiative was launched to foster positivity within our diverse and lively community. Over the years, we’ve observed an outpouring of support for Boston and have seen the immense pride that many Bostonians have for their community. “At the core of this campaign, we aim to provide the people of Boston with the chance to highlight their unsung heroes who have made a lasting impact on the community—whether through small acts of kindness or life-changing support. “I urge as many people as possible to participate in nominating. It’s the collaboration and support among individuals, groups, and organisations that make our community. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a part of these awards, which are dedicated to celebrating the very best of these efforts.” Visit https://www.boston.gov.uk/article/28273/Boston-Heroes-2025 to submit your nomination. The deadline for nominations is midnight on Friday 30 May 2025.
  Image: Boston, Lincolnshire. Credit: Stock.adobe.com/Tony

Lincoln railway safety tech firm secures £2m investment

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Lincoln railway safety tech firm secures £2m investment
The company behind a wearable safety solution, which helps to improve the safety of railway staff and prevent avoidable incidents, has raised £2m from Praetura Ventures and Blackfinch Ventures, as it aims to expand into new sectors and global markets. Lincoln-based Tended has created an innovative geospatial positioning device to alert rail workers when they exit designated safe zones, allowing them to maintain a safe distance from onsite hazards, such as open lines and in-use heavy machinery. Tended, which has recently secured a seven-figure contract with Network Rail, will use the funding to strengthen its Intellectual Property portfolio, release the next generation of its wearable device and increase its headcount across sales and engineering. Leo Scott Smith, CEO and founder of Tended, said: “Our mission is to put an end to preventable accidents and fatalities. Working with top-tier investors and partners, we’re pushing the boundaries with geospatial technology and developing some exciting new capabilities that are moving us closer to this mission.”   Image: Leo Scott Smith, CEO and founder of Tended

Restoration works begin on Spalding war memorial

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Restoration works begin on Spalding war memorial
A five-month programme of extensive restoration to a Grade I listed war memorial is beginning, as part of South Holland District Council’s work to preserve and protect the Lutyens Memorial in Ayscoughfee Gardens. The £205,000 works, funded by South Holland District Council, will include the delivery of numerous repairs and improvements to the monument, including cleaning of the stonework, roof tile replacement, the repair of ceiling and cornice cracks, removal and installation of new skirting, flooring replacement and repointing, careful repair of the memorial panels and other essential works. This follows on from further restoration works last year which included a specialist cleaning, a structural render analysis of the memorial, and the installation of a new perimeter French drain to divert rain flow away from the monument. These initial phases were important to help understand the memorial’s full condition and to address underlying issues before the full works began, after a pause over the winter months to avoid any risk of damage caused by cold and wet weather. Work has begun this week and is due to run until October, to allow the memorial to be open and restored in time for Remembrance Day commemorations in November. For safety and to secure the area and the memorial, hoarding and coverings will be erected whilst the works take place. Designed by the renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1922, The Temple of Remembrance is a vital place of reflection for the local community, commemorating those connected with the town who lost their lives in the First World War. Councillor Elizabeth Sneath, portfolio holder for conservation and heritage, said: “I am delighted that the full restoration process for this vitally important and symbolic monument is now getting underway. “We must do everything we can to protect it and the memories of those commemorated within it for many generations to come, to recognise the sacrifice they made and the important role it plays in our local heritage.” Councillor Henry Bingham, portfolio holder for assets and strategic planning, said: “This crucial work to restore the hugely significant Lutyens monument has been a long time in the making, and it is great to see it getting back underway thanks to the council’s work alongside our local partners and contractors. “We know how important it is to get this project right, and to ensure we are safeguarding the memorial every step of the way. This is a precise and expert process and, whilst the work will take several months to complete, we are confident it will secure the protection and prestige of the monument, and Ayscoughfee more widely, for many years to come.”
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Seadog81

World War Two veterans invited to Armed Forces lunch

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World War Two veterans invited to Armed Forces lunch
Lincolnshire veterans of World War Two are being invited to join in a lunch celebrating the contributions of our Armed Forces: past, present and future. The 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe and Japan, bringing World War Two to an end, will be the theme for North Kesteven District Council’s annual veterans’ lunch on Monday 23 June, which is a significant part of its Armed Forces Day activity and specifically celebrates the individual and collective service of veterans spanning many decades through the presentation of Veteran’s Badges. Veterans of any length of service with UK Armed Forces – Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force or Merchant Navy – can apply to receive a badge marking their contributions over any period, from decades to just one day. Deadline to apply to receive a badge on 23 June is Friday 16 May. D-Day veteran Les Budding (99) who has returned to the event regularly after receiving his Veteran’s Badge at the lunch some years ago, is hopeful of meeting others who served in World War Two by land, sea and air. At last year’s Armed Forces event, Les said: “Guys like me went to war and there are generations that have come through afterwards. It is very important to honour our veterans, and anyone who serves, in this way; and so great to see the youngsters take part so enthusiastically with heart and soul. “I hope that they remember what has taken place in the past and I’m sure they will. North Kesteven is a caring council that looks after veterans and its forces community very well. They do a really good job in keeping it up.” Royal Marine Les was 18 years old when he served on board Landing Craft Flak 34, providing covering fire for the first wave of troops who stormed Sword Beach on D-Day. He has said he was ’just one of the many’, but is now just one of the few. “Survival was luck of the draw. A lot of people were lost.” Council Leader Cllr Richard Wight, himself an RAF veteran, said: “It is fitting in this significant anniversary year that the immense courage and bravery of all of those involved in World War Two is remembered, celebrated and commemorated. “We know that there are regrettably very few men and women who served in World War Two still alive to share their experiences of that time. It would be a great honour to host any veterans who have a shared experience of VE or VJ Days whilst on active service – not just from North Kesteven but from across Lincolnshire. “To have them attend our lunch on 23 June, alongside our more recent veteran guests, would really reinforce the principle of Armed Forces Day recognising past present and future service.” The invitation-only lunch will be held at the North Kesteven District Council Civic Suite in Sleaford, between noon and around 2pm. It will feature some themed readings and the presentation of Veterans’ Badges to those who have applied in recognition of their period of service within the Army, Royal Air Force, Royal or Merchant Navy as a regular, reservist or through National Service in the past. It will follow the usual Armed Forces Day flag raising ceremony in Sleaford Market Place between 10.30am and 11am. This is open to the public to attend. To nominate a WW2 veteran for the lunch, and discuss arrangements, please contact the Council’s Partnerships Team on 01529 414155 or email: armedforces@n-kesteven.gov.uk before Friday 6 June 2025. WW2 veteran guests may be joined by a companion. To apply to have a Veteran’s Badge presented at the lunch, please get in touch with the Partnerships Team on 01529 414155 or email: armedforces@n-kesteven.gov.uk before 16 May 2025.
  Image credit: North Kesteven District Council
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